<subtitle num="01" heading="General Regulations"> <chapter num="01" heading="Petition for Declaratory Ruling"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Who May File."> <text>Any interested person may file a petition with the Treasurer with respect to the applicability of any statute pertaining to the Office of the State Treasurer or the applicability of any regulation adopted by the Treasurer.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Form."> <text>The petition shall be in writing and shall contain a detailed statement of the facts. It shall question the applicability of the State statute or regulation to these facts. The petition shall contain the name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner and a statement describing the petitioner's interest in making the request for the declaratory ruling. In addition, the petition shall contain a statement by the petitioner, under oath, that the facts contained in the petition are true to the best of his knowledge, information, and belief.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Submission, Consideration, and Disposition."> <text>The petition for declaratory ruling shall be filed with the Treasurer. The Treasurer or the Treasurer's designee shall consider the petition and shall notify the petitioner in writing of its disposition, stating the reasons for the Treasurer's issuance or denial of the declaratory ruling requested. A written answer from the Treasurer or the Treasurer's designee to an inquiry may not be construed to be a declaratory ruling unless made in conformity with this regulation.</text> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Government Article, §10-304, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: April 9, 1984 (11:7 Md. R. 628)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01 amended effective October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2470)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03 amended effective October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2470)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> <chapter num="02" heading="Petitions for Adoption, Amendment, or Repeal of Regulations"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Who May File."> <text>Any interested person may file a petition with the Treasurer for the promulgation, amendment, or repeal of any regulation.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Form."> <text>The petition shall state the regulation or amendment the petitioner proposes and shall refer to any existing regulation the petitioner seeks to have amended or repealed. The petition also shall include a brief statement of reasons in support of the proposed change and the name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Submission, Consideration, and Disposition."> <text>The petition shall be filed with the Treasurer for consideration and disposition. Within 60 days after submission, the Treasurer or the Treasurer's designee shall notify the petitioner in writing either that the Treasurer has denied the petition in whole or in part, stating the reasons for the denial, or that the Treasurer has initiated appropriate procedures to promulgate, amend, or repeal regulations in accordance with the petition.</text> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Government Article, §§10-122 and 10-123, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: April 9, 1984 (11:7 Md. R. 628)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01—.15 Public Information Act Requests repealed effective October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2470)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01—.03 Petition for Adoption, Amendment, or Repeal of Regulations adopted effective October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2470)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> <chapter num="03" heading="Contested Cases"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Scope."> <text>This chapter applies to hearings that the Treasurer is required to conduct by statute or regulation to adjudicate the rights, duties, statutory entitlements, or privileges of specific persons, except for hearings, including those delegated by the Treasurer to the Office of Administrative Hearings, for which other procedures are specifically prescribed by statute or regulation.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Definitions."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>In these regulations, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Terms Defined.</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>“Notice” means a written document sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>“Office” means the Office of the State Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>“Party” means the Office or any person whose rights are being adjudicated by the Treasurer at a hearing.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Notice."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Whenever the Treasurer is required by statute or regulation to provide a hearing to a person, the Treasurer or the Treasurer's designee shall send that person reasonable notice of the hearing.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Contents of Notice. The notice shall contain a:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Statement of the:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>Date, time, place, and nature of the hearing,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>Person's right to be represented by counsel,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(c)"> <text>Legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held;</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Reference to the particular sections of statute and regulation, including rules of procedure, involved; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>Short and simple statement of the matters that will be at issue at the hearing.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Hearing Officer."> <text>The Treasurer may conduct the hearing or may delegate to the Office of Administrative Hearings the authority to hear a particular case, in which event the case shall be heard under the procedures established by the Office of Administrative Hearings in COMAR Title 28.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Prehearing Conference."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Before the date of the hearing, a prehearing conference may be held, for which notice shall be given to all parties of the date, time, and place.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>In the discretion of the Treasurer, persons other than parties may attend a prehearing conference.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".06" heading="Hearing."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>General. The provisions of State Government Article, §§10-205—10-214, concerning the conduct of administrative hearings, apply to these proceedings.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Presentation of Hearing. Hearings shall be conducted generally in the following order, unless modified by the Treasurer during the prehearing conference or otherwise:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Call of the case by the Treasurer;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Opening statements by the parties;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>Presentation of evidence in the following order:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>The Office presents the basis for its action or proposed action and other evidence,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>Parties aggrieved by the Office's action or proposed action present their objections and other evidence,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(c)"> <text>Other persons may present evidence in the discretion of the Treasurer,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(d)"> <text>Rebuttals in the same order.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Powers of Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have all powers necessary to these ends, including, but not limited to, the power to:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Administer oaths and affirmations;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Rule upon offers of proof and receive relevant and material evidence;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>Consider and rule upon all procedural and other motions appropriate to the proceedings;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>Examine witnesses;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>Maintain order, limit unduly repetitious testimony, and limit the time for presentations;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>Grant a continuance for good cause shown;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(7)"> <text>Require parties to submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(8)"> <text>Call witnesses.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>Rights of Party. Each party shall have the right on each genuine issue of fact to:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Call witnesses and present evidence;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Cross-examine every witness called by a party, the Treasurer, or other person;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>Submit rebuttal evidence;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>Present summation and argument; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>File objections, exceptions, and motions, except that if a party is represented by counsel, all the submissions of evidence, examination and cross-examination of witnesses, and filing of objections, exceptions, and motions shall be done and presented solely by counsel.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" heading="Record and Transcript."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>The Treasurer shall prepare an official record of each hearing, which shall include all pleadings, exhibits, and other material filed in the proceeding, and any testimony transcribed according to §B.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>A stenographic record of the proceedings or other form of verbatim record acceptable to the Treasurer shall be made at the expense of the Office. This record need not be transcribed unless requested by a party or the Treasurer. The cost of any transcripts of any proceedings, or part of them, shall be paid by the party requesting the transcript.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" heading="Decisions."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>If the Treasurer personally hears the evidence at the hearing, the Treasurer shall issue a final decision within a reasonable time of the hearing.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Proposed Decision.</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>If the Treasurer does not personally hear the evidence at the hearing, the Office of Administrative Hearings shall issue a proposed decision within a reasonable time after the hearing according to the provisions of State Government Article, §10-216, Annotated Code of Maryland, and a final decision may not be issued until the requirements of this section have been met.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>The proposed decision, including the findings of fact and conclusions of law on which it is based, shall be mailed or delivered to all parties immediately after its issuance.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>The parties also shall be notified that within 15 days after receipt of the proposed decision, a party adversely affected by the proposed decision may file written exceptions to the proposed decision and request the opportunity to present argument to the Treasurer. Any party filing written exceptions or requesting argument shall include in the exceptions or the request precise references to those sections of the record that the party wishes the Treasurer to review. References to the record other than any transcript of testimony shall be indicated as R..., and references to the transcript of testimony as contained in the record shall be indicated as T.... If a party fails to provide these specific references, the Treasurer may dismiss any request to present argument and may base review of the proposed decision on whatever portion of the record the Treasurer deems appropriate.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>If an opportunity to present argument is not requested, the Treasurer shall issue a final decision.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>If argument is requested, the Treasurer shall set a date for presentation of argument and shall notify the parties of that date within 30 days of the receipt of the request.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>The Treasurer shall issue a final decision within a reasonable time of presentation of argument. Copies of the decision shall be delivered or mailed to all parties, return receipt requested.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Final decisions issued by the Treasurer shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law in accordance with State Government Article, §10-221, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".09" heading="Appeal."> <text>A party adversely affected by a final decision of the Treasurer may obtain judicial review of the decision as provided by law.</text> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Government Article, §§10-204 and 10-207, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2470)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01 amended effective November 8, 1993 (20:22 Md. R.1709)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02B amended effective November 8, 1993 (20:22 Md. R.1709)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .04 amended effective November 8, 1993 (20:22 Md. R.1709)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .05B amended effective November 8, 1993 (20:22 Md. R.1709)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .06 amended effective November 8, 1993 (20:22 Md. R.1709)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .07 amended effective November 8, 1993 (20:22 Md. R.1709)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .08 amended effective November 8, 1993 (20:22 Md. R.1709)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> <chapter num="04" heading="Access to Public Records"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Purpose."> <text>These regulations set out procedures for filing requests with the Office of the State Treasurer for the inspection, copying, or correction of records of the Office under the Access to Public Records Act, State Government Article, §§10-611—10-628. It is the policy of the Treasurer to facilitate public access to the records of the Office, when the access is allowed by law, by minimizing costs and time delays to persons requesting information.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Definitions."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>In these regulations, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Terms Defined.</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>“Act” means the Access to Public Records Act, State Government Article, §§10-611—10-628, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>“Applicant” means a person or governmental unit that asks to inspect a public record.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>“Custodian” means a person employed by the Office and authorized to have physical custody and control of a public record of the Office.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>“Disclosable record” means a record required to be disclosed.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>“Office” means the Office of the State Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>“Official custodian” means the Treasurer or the Chief Deputy Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(7)"> <text>“Person in interest” means a person or governmental unit that is the subject of a public record or a designee of the person or governmental unit, or, if the person has a legal disability, a parent or legal representative of the person.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(8)"> <text>“Public record” means the original or any copy of any documentary material that is made or received by the Office in connection with the transaction of public business, regardless of its form. For example, a card, a computerized record, correspondence, a drawing, a film or microfilm, a map, a photograph, a recording, or tape is a public record. A public record includes a document that contains the salary of an official or employee.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(9)"> <text>“Working day” means a day other than Saturday, Sunday, or a State holiday.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Requests for Access or Copy."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>An applicant may request access to inspect or copy public records of the Office.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>The applicant shall direct the request to the custodian. If the custodian is not known, the applicant may direct the request to the official custodian.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Written Application."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Inspections.</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Except as provided in §A(2), the custodian shall make available for inspection, without a written application, any record that clearly is required to be disclosed.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>The custodian may require a written application if the custodian reasonably believes that:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>A written application will materially assist the Office in responding to the request;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>The Act or any other law may prohibit disclosure of the record; or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(c)"> <text>The Act may authorize non-disclosure.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Copies. If the applicant is requesting a copy of any public record, the custodian may require a written application.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Contents of Application. A written application shall contain the applicant's name, address, and a brief description of the record sought.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Custodian's Response to Application."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>The custodian shall determine whether:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>A written application is required;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>The record is in the custodian's custody;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>The record can be disclosed to the applicant; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>The applicant is a person in interest, if the record may be disclosed only to a person in interest. The custodian may require documentation from the applicant to support the claim that the applicant is a person in interest.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Time for Response and Decision to Grant or Deny. Within 30 days after receiving an application, the custodian shall grant or deny the application. The following apply:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Grant. If the custodian decides to grant an application for inspection, the record shall be produced immediately or within a reasonable period, not to exceed 30 days after receipt of the request, if time is needed to retrieve the information.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Denial.</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>Once a final decision to deny the application is made, the custodian shall immediately notify the applicant.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>Within 10 working days of the decision, the custodian shall give the applicant a written statement of the reasons for the denial, the legal authority for the denial, and the remedies available for review of the denial.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>Partial Grant. The custodian shall permit inspection of any part of the record that is subject to inspection and reasonably severable from those parts not subject to inspection.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Custody and Control of the Record. If the record is not in the custody or control of the custodian, the custodian shall notify the applicant within 10 working days after the receipt of the request and, if known, the identity and location of the actual custodian.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>Record Temporarily Unavailable. If the record is temporarily unavailable, the custodian shall notify the applicant within 10 working days after receipt of the request and tell the applicant the date on which the record is expected to become available.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="E."> <text>Record Lost or Destroyed. If the custodian determines that the record is lost or destroyed, the custodian shall notify the applicant within 10 working days after receipt of the request.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="F."> <text>Extension of Time Limits. With the consent of the applicant, any time period imposed by the Act may be extended for an additional period not to exceed 30 days.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".06" heading="Notice to Persons Who May Be Affected by Disclosure."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Except as provided in §B, the custodian may notify any person who could be adversely affected by disclosure of a record that a request for inspection or copying of the record has been made. The custodian may consider the views of that person before deciding whether to disclose the record to the applicant.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>The custodian may not notify a person who could be adversely affected by disclosure if:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Any other law prohibits notice; or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Access to a disclosable record would be unreasonably delayed.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" heading="Review of a Denial."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>If the custodian denies a written application for a reason other than that the record is temporarily unavailable, the applicant may, within 30 days after receipt of a notice of denial, request an administrative hearing.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>If the administrative hearing results in a total or partial denial of the written application, the applicant may file an appropriate action in the circuit court under State Government Article, §10-623.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>If the applicant chooses not to request a hearing under §A, above, the applicant may file an action for judicial review under State Government Article, §10-623, without exhausting the administrative remedy.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" heading="Disclosure Against Public Interest."> <text>If the official custodian decides that disclosure otherwise required by the Act or other law would do substantial injury to the public interest, the official custodian may temporarily deny the request in writing, and within 10 working days of the denial, apply to the appropriate circuit court for an order permitting continued denial. Notice of the application shall be served on the applicant in the manner provided for service of process by the Maryland Rules of Procedure.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".09" heading="Fees."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>If the fee for copies, printouts, photographs, or certified copies of any record is specifically prescribed by a law or regulation other than the Act, that specific law or regulation shall control.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>The custodian may charge a fee of 20 cents per page for each copy if reproduction can be made by a photocopying machine within the Office.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>If the custodian is unable to copy a record within the Office, the custodian shall make arrangements for the prompt reproduction of the record at a public or private facility outside the Office. If a record cannot be photocopied in the Office, for example, punch cards, magnetic tapes, blue prints and microfilm, the fee for copies shall be the actual cost of reproduction. The custodian shall either collect from the applicant a fee to cover the actual cost of reproduction or direct the applicant to pay the cost of reproduction directly to the facility making the copy.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>Before copying a record, the custodian shall estimate the cost of reproduction and obtain either the agreement of the applicant to pay the cost or prepayment of any estimated fees.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="E."> <text>The official custodian may charge a reasonable fee for employee search and preparation time in excess of 2 hours.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="F."> <text>Upon request, the official custodian may waive or reduce any fee charged pursuant to this regulation if the official custodian determines that the waiver or reduction is in the public interest. The official custodian shall consider, among other relevant factors, the ability of the applicant to pay the cost or fee.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="G."> <text>If the applicant requests that copies be mailed or delivered to the applicant, the custodian may charge the applicant cost of postage or delivery.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".10" heading="Time of Inspection."> <text>An applicant may inspect disclosable records only during the normal working hours of the Office.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".11" heading="Place of Inspection."> <text>Inspection shall take place where the document is located, unless the official custodian, after considering the applicant's preference, determines that another place is more suitable and convenient.</text> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Government Article, §§10-611—10-628, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2470)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> <chapter num="05" heading="Correction or Amendment of Personal Records"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Purpose."> <text>These regulations set out procedures for persons in interest to request the correction or amendment of personal records under State Government Article, §10-625, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Definitions."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>In these regulations, the following terms have the meanings indicated unless otherwise apparent from the context.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Terms Defined.</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>“Act” means the Access to Public Records Act, State Government Article, §§10-611—10-628, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>“Custodian” means a person employed by the Office and authorized to have physical custody and control of a public record of the Office.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>“Office” means the Office of the State Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>“Official custodian” means the Treasurer or the Chief Deputy Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>“Person in interest” means a person or governmental unit that is the subject of a public record or a designee of the person or governmental unit, or, if the person has a legal disability, a parent or legal representative of the person.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>“Personal record” means a public record that names or, with reasonable certainty, otherwise identifies an individual by an identifying factor such as:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>An address;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>A description;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(c)"> <text>A finger or voice print;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(d)"> <text>A number; or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(e)"> <text>A picture.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Who May Request."> <text>A person in interest may request the Office to correct or amend any personal record pursuant to State Government Article, §10-625.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Contents of Request."> <text>The request shall be in writing and shall state the:</text> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Name, address, and phone number of the person making the request;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Precise correction or amendment requested; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Reason the correction or amendment is sought.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Filing the Request."> <text>A request for correction or amendment of a record shall be filed with the Office by addressing it to the custodian of the record. If the custodian is unknown, the request may be addressed to the official custodian.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".06" heading="Return of Request."> <text>If a request does not reasonably comply with Regulation .04, above, it shall be returned to the person in interest with an explanation and a statement that, upon completion, it may be refiled with the Office.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" heading="Response to Request."> <text>Within 30 days after receipt of a proper request for correction or amendment, the custodian shall:</text> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Make the requested correction or amendment and inform the person in writing of the action;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Inform the person in writing of the:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Refusal to make the requested correction or amendment, and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Reason for the refusal; or</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Inform the person in writing that the record may not be amended or corrected as requested because:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>The person is not a person in interest,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>The record sought to be corrected or amended is not a personal record,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>The person requesting the correction or amendment is not entitled to inspect the record under State Government Article, §§10-615—10-619, or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>Of any other reason that is authorized by law.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" heading="Statement of Disagreement."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Right to File. If the Office refuses the requested correction or amendment, the person in interest may file a concise statement of the reasons for the:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Requested correction or amendment; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Disagreement with the refusal of the Office to make the correction or amendment.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Requirements for Statements of Disagreement. The statement shall be filed on pages not exceeding 8-1/2 X 11 inches in size. Only one side of the page shall contain a statement. More than five pages may not be accepted in connection with a request for correction or amendment.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Information Provided to Third Parties. When the Office discloses to a third party information from personal records about which a statement of disagreement has been filed, the Office shall furnish a copy of the statement to the third party.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".09" heading="Administrative and Judicial Review."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>A person may seek administrative and judicial review in accordance with State Government Article, Title 10, Subtitle 2, if the person has been denied:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>A request to change a personal record;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>The right to file a statement of disagreement; or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>The right to have a statement of disagreement forwarded to a third party pursuant to Regulation .08C, above.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>A request for administrative review of a decision of the Office to deny a request to change a personal record shall be filed within 30 days of the date of the decision.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Government Article, §§10-613 and 10-625, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2470)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> <chapter num="06" heading="Open Meetings"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Definition."> <text>“Public body” means the Capital Debt Affordability Committee established by State Finance and Procurement Article, §8-108, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commission on State Debt established by Executive Order 01.01.1980.06, or any other public body as defined by State Government Article, §10-502, Annotated Code of Maryland, of which the State Treasurer from time to time is a member and serves as its chairman.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Public Attendance."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>At any open session of the public body, the general public is invited to attend and observe.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Except in instances when the public body expressly invites public testimony, questions, comments, or other forms of public participation, or when public participation is otherwise authorized by law, a member of the public attending an open session may not participate in the session.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Disruptive Conduct."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>An individual attending an open session of the public body may not engage in any conduct, including visual demonstrations such as the waving of placards, signs, or banners, that disrupts the session or that interferes with the right of members of the public to attend and observe the session.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>The presiding officer may order an individual who persists in conduct prohibited by §A of this regulation, or who violates any other regulation concerning the conduct of the open session, to be removed from the session, and may request police assistance to restore order.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>The presiding officer may recess the session while order is restored.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Recording, Photographing, and Broadcasting of Open Sessions."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>A member of the public, including any representative of the news media, may record discussions of the public body at an open session by means of a tape recorder or any other recording device if the device does not create an excessive noise that disturbs members of the public body or other individuals attending the session.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>A member of the public, including any representative of the news media, may photograph or videotape the proceedings of the public body at an open session by means of any type of camera if the camera:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Is operated without excessively bright artificial light that disturbs members of the public body or other individuals attending the session; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Does not create an excessive noise that disturbs members of the public body or other individuals attending the session.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>A representative of the news media may broadcast or televise the proceedings of the public body at an open session if the equipment used:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Is operated without excessively bright artificial light that disturbs members of the public body or other individuals attending the session; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Does not create an excessive noise that disturbs members of the public body or other individuals attending the session.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>The presiding officer may restrict the movement of an individual who is using a recording device, camera, or broadcasting or televising equipment if the restriction is necessary to maintain the orderly conduct of the session.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Recordings Not Part of Record."> <text>A recording of an open session made by a member of the public, or any transcript derived from a recording, is not considered a part of the record of any proceeding of the public body.</text> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Government Article, §10-507, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: November 8, 1993 (20:22 Md. R. 1709)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> </subtitle> <subtitle num="02" heading="State Insurance Programs"> <chapter num="01" heading="Maryland Tort Claims Act—General"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Scope."> <text>The regulations in COMAR 25.02.01—COMAR 25.02.04 apply only to claims asserted under the Maryland Tort Claims Act, State Government Article, §12-101 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Definitions."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>In COMAR 25.02.01—COMAR 25.02.04, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Terms Defined.</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>“Claim” means a claimant's written notification of an incident that meets all of the requirements of COMAR 25.02.03.01A and is received by the Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>“Claimant” means a person described in COMAR 25.02.03.02 who submits a claim under the Maryland Tort Claims Act to the Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>“Incident” means an act or omission of State personnel that constitutes an alleged tort under the Maryland Tort Claims Act and is alleged to have caused injury, loss, or damage to person or property by reason of a single occurrence.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>“State personnel” means:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>A State employee or official who is paid in whole or in part by the Central Payroll Bureau in the Office of the Comptroller;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>An employee or official of:</text> <paragraph num="(i)"> <text>The Maryland Transportation Authority,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(ii)"> <text>The Injured Workers' Insurance Fund,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(iii)"> <text>The Maryland Stadium Authority,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(iv)"> <text>The Maryland Environmental Service,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(v)"> <text>The overseas programs of the University College of the University of Maryland System,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(vi)"> <text>The Maryland Economic Development Corporation, or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(vii)"> <text>A Soil Conservation District;</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(c)"> <text>A person who is a member of a State board, commission, or similar State entity;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(d)"> <text>A person who:</text> <paragraph num="(i)"> <text>Is providing a service to or for the State,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(ii)"> <text>Is not paid in whole or in part by the State, and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(iii)"> <text>Otherwise meets the definition of “volunteer” set forth in §B(8), below;</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(e)"> <text>An individual who, without compensation, exercises a part of the sovereignty of the State;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(f)"> <text>A student enrolled in a State educational institution for whom the Treasurer, based upon the determinations required by State Government Article, §12-101(5), has issued an insurance certificate;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(g)"> <text>A sheriff or deputy sheriff of a county or Baltimore City; or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(h)"> <text>An employee of a county who is assigned to a local department of social services.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>“Submit” or its variations means actual receipt by the Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>“Treasurer” means the State Treasurer of Maryland or the Treasurer's designee.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(7)"> <text>Treasurer's Designee.</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>“Treasurer's designee” means only the:</text> <paragraph num="(i)"> <text>Chief Deputy Treasurer; or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(ii)"> <text>Director of the Insurance Division of the State Treasurer's Office.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>“Treasurer's designee” does not mean or include any other person, including, but not limited to:</text> <paragraph num="(i)"> <text>An officer or employee of State government other than those persons identified in §B(7)(a), above;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(ii)"> <text>The Comptroller of the Treasury, the Attorney General, or the Secretary of State; or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(iii)"> <text>A commercial insurer, adjuster, claims administrator, or similar person who provides services to the Treasurer as an independent contractor.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(8)"> <text>“Volunteer” means a person who:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>Is performing services to or for a unit of State government, the employees of which are considered State personnel under §B(4), above;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>Is engaged in the actual performance of the services in §B(8)(a) at the time of the incident giving rise to a claim; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(c)"> <text>In the performance of the services in §B(8)(a):</text> <paragraph num="(i)"> <text>Is participating in a formal volunteer program, or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(ii)"> <text>Before the beginning of those services, is formally recognized by the unit as a volunteer.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Finance and Procurement Article, §§9-104 and 9-105; State Government Article, §12-101 et seq; Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date:</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01 adopted as an emergency provision effective July 17, 1985 (12:16 Md. R. 1603); emergency status extended at 12:22 Md. R. 2102; adopted permanently effective November 4, 1985 (12:22 Md. R. 2109)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01 amended effective April 21, 1986 (13:8 Md. R. 905)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01B amended effective November 16, 1987 (14:23 Md. R. 2415)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Annotation:</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">COMAR 25.02.01 cited in Attorney General Opinion No. 86-038 (July 3, 1986)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Chapter, Purchased and Self Insurance Programs, repealed effective April 16,</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">1990 (17:7 Md. R. 853)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01 and .02 under new chapter, Maryland Tort Claims Act—General, adopted effective April 16, 1990 (17:7 Md. R. 853)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02B amended effective December 24, 1990 (17:25 Md. R. 2910); November 8, 1993 (20:22 Md. R. 1710)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> <chapter num="02" heading="Maryland Tort Claims Act—Coverage and Limits"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Commercial Insurance."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Within budgetary appropriations and market availability, the Treasurer, in the Treasurer's sole discretion, may purchase commercial insurance to provide coverage, in whole or in part, under the Maryland Tort Claims Act.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>If the Treasurer elects to purchase commercial insurance under §A, above, the:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Policy limits, terms, and conditions of the commercial insurance shall determine coverage and establish the limitation of State liability; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Payment limits, terms, and conditions applicable to the Treasurer's self-insurance program under this chapter shall determine the coverage and establish the limitation of State liability for purposes of the State's deductible or self-insured retention, if any, under this commercial insurance.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Self-Insurance."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>General. Within budgetary appropriations, the Treasurer may provide self-insurance to provide coverage under the Maryland Tort Claims Act for those incidents not covered by purchased commercial insurance obtained pursuant to Regulation .01.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Coverage. Subject to §A, above, self-insurance shall provide coverage for a tortious act or omission of State personnel that:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Is within the scope of public duties of the State personnel; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>No element of which constitutes malice or gross negligence.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Exclusions and Limitations. The Treasurer may not provide self-insurance coverage for:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Punitive damages;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Interest before judgment;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>A claim that arises from the combatant activities of the State militia during a state of emergency;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>A tortious act or omission of State personnel:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>That is not within the scope of the public duties of the State personnel, or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>An element of which constitutes malice or gross negligence; or</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>A cause of action that law specifically prohibits.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>Limits of Liability. Within total budgeted funds available for self-insurance coverage of tort claims, the limits of State liability shall be:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Subject to §D(2) of this regulation, $200,000 per claimant for all injury, loss, and damage to person and property arising from a single incident. For the purpose of determining the limits of liability under this subsection, all persons claiming damages resulting from:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>Bodily injury to, or the death of, any one person shall be considered to be one claimant; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>Damage to or destruction of a single item of property shall be considered to be one claimant.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Such greater, lesser, or additional limits as otherwise may be established by the annual State Budget for incidents occurring during that fiscal year.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="E."> <text>No Waiver of Immunity. The sovereign immunity of the State is not waived for claims in excess of the limits set forth in §D of this regulation.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Discretionary Payments."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Within budgetary appropriations, the Treasurer may pay from the State Insurance Trust Fund all or part of that portion of a claim that exceeds the limits of purchased commercial insurance coverage obtained pursuant to Regulation .01 of this chapter under the following conditions:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>The claim is consistent with the provisions of Regulation .02B and C of this chapter;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>A judgment or settlement has been entered granting the claimant damages greater than the limits of the purchased commercial insurance obtained pursuant to Regulation .01 of this chapter;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>A request for a discretionary payment is submitted to the Treasurer within 60 days of entry of the settlement or judgment described in §A(2) of this regulation; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>The Board of Public Works, with the advice and counsel of the Office of the Attorney General, has approved the discretionary payment.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>A discretionary payment of part of a settlement or judgment pursuant to §A of this regulation:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Does not abrogate the sovereign immunity of the State beyond the waiver provided in Regulation .02 of this chapter; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Is subject to the monetary limits of Regulation .02D of this chapter.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Pursuant to State Government Article, §12-501(b), Annotated Code of Maryland, a decision of the Board of Public Works under §A(4) of this regulation is not subject to judicial review.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Finance and Procurement Article, §§9-104 and 9-105; State Government Article, §12-101 et seq; Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: July 2, 1984 (11:13 Md. R. 1178)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Chapter recodified from COMAR 25.02.01 to 25.02.02 effective as an emergency provision July 17, 1985 (12:16 Md. R. 1603); emergency status extended at 12:22 Md. R. 2102); adopted permanently effective November 4, 1985 (12:22 Md. R. 2109)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Chapter, State Insurance Trust Fund, repealed effective April 16, 1990 (17:7 Md. R. 853)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01—.03, Maryland Tort Claims Act, adopted effective April 16, 1990 (17:7 Md. R. 853)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02D amended effective January 12, 1998 (25:1 Md. R. 17); June 26, 2000 (27:12 Md. R. 1142)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> <chapter num="03" heading="Maryland Tort Claims Act—Claims Administration"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Submission of Claims."> <text>For purposes of the provisions of State Government Article, § 12-106:</text> <paragraph num="A."> <text>A proper claim shall:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Contain a statement of facts that sets forth the nature of the claim, including the date, time, place, and description of the incident,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Contain a demand for money damages in a sum certain,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>State the name and address of the claimant,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>State the name and address, if known, of the alleged tortfeasor, including identification of the tortfeasor's employer,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>State the name and address, if known, of any witness to the incident,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>State the name, address, and telephone number of counsel for the claimant, if any, and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(7)"> <text>Be signed by the claimant;</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>A valid claim that meets the requirements of §A, above, shall be deemed to have been submitted as of the date it is actually received by the State Treasurer's Office;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Presentation of a purported claim to any unit of State government other than the State Treasurer's Office does not constitute proper submission of a claim; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>The Treasurer may, but is not required to, consider a claim that does not meet the requirements of this regulation only with the approval of the Office of the Attorney General upon advice that, on the facts presented, there is a substantial probability that a court of this State would conclude that the claim is properly filed.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Who May File."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Property Damage. A claim for property damage or loss may be submitted by the owner of the property or by a person obligated by contract to repair or replace the property, or by the duly authorized attorney or legal representative of either.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Personal Injury. A claim for personal injury may be submitted by the injured person or by that person's duly authorized attorney or legal representative.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Death. A claim for death may be submitted by the decedent's personal representative on behalf of the decedent's estate or by any other person legally entitled to assert this claim in accordance with applicable state law, or by the duly authorized attorney or legal representative of either.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>Subrogation. A claim for loss:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Wholly compensated by an insurer with the rights of a subrogee may be submitted by the insurer;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Partially compensated by an insurer with the rights of a subrogee may be submitted by the parties jointly, as their respective interests may appear, or individually.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="E."> <text>Attorney or Legal Representative. A claim that is submitted by an attorney or legal representative shall:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Be presented in the name of the claimant;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Be signed by the attorney or legal representative;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>Show the legal capacity of the person signing; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>Upon the Treasurer's request, be supplemented by evidence of that person's authority to submit a claim on behalf of the claimant as attorney, personal representative, executor, administrator, parent, guardian, or other representative.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Filing of Claim."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Where to File Claim. As prerequisite to its consideration under COMAR 25.02.01—25.02.04, an otherwise proper claim shall be submitted to the Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>When to File Claim.</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>As a prerequisite to its consideration under COMAR 25.02.01—25.02.04, an otherwise proper claim shall be received by the State Treasurer's Office within 1 year after the injury that is the basis for the claim.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>The filing period set forth in §B(1), above, is not suspended or tolled by reason of infancy, incompetency, other disability, or filing of suit.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Initial Coverage Determination."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Regulations .05—.08 of this chapter apply only to those claims for which the Treasurer provides self-insurance coverage, in whole or in part, under the Maryland Tort Claims Act.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Subject to §C, below, the policy terms and conditions of purchased commercial insurance coverage, if any, govern the administration of claims that the Treasurer initially determines may be covered by commercial insurance.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>The determination of coverage under, and the limitation of liability with respect to the State's deductible or self-insured retention, if any, under any commercial insurance shall be governed by those regulations in COMAR 25.02.02 that are applicable to the Treasurer's self-insurance program.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Documentation."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Death. In support of a claim for death, the claimant may be required to submit the following evidence or information:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>An authenticated death certificate or report, or both, of postmortem examination showing the date and cause of death and the age of the decedent;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Documentation of the decedent's employment or occupation, if any, at time of death, including the decedent's monthly or yearly salary or earnings and the duration of the decedent's last employment or occupation;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>Identification by full name, address, birthdate, kinship, and marital status of each of the decedent's survivors, including identification of those survivors who were dependent for support upon the decedent at the time of the decedent's death;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>Documentation of the degree of support afforded by the decedent to each survivor dependent for support upon the decedent at the time of the decedent's death;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>Evidence of the decedent's general physical and mental condition before death;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>Itemized bills for medical and burial expenses incurred by reason of the incident causing death or itemized receipts of payment for these expenses;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(7)"> <text>If damages for pain and suffering before death are claimed, a physician's detailed statement specifying the:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>Injuries suffered,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>Duration of pain and suffering,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(c)"> <text>Drugs administered for pain, and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(d)"> <text>Decedent's physical condition in the interval between injury and death; and</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(8)"> <text>Other evidence or information that, in the Treasurer's judgment, may have a bearing on either the responsibility of the State for the death or for the damages claimed.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Personal Injury. In support of a claim for personal injury, the claimant may be required to submit the following evidence or information:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>A written report by the claimant's attending physician or dentist setting forth the nature and extent of the injury, the nature and extent of treatment, any degree of temporary or permanent disability, the prognosis, the period of any hospitalization, and any diminished earning capacity;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>If the claimant is required by the Treasurer to submit to a physical or mental examination by a physician employed or retained by the State, a copy of the report of the examining physician, which shall be made available to the claimant upon the claimant's written request provided that the claimant has:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>Upon the Treasurer's request, furnished the report referred to in §B(2), above, and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>Made or agrees to make available to the Treasurer any other physician's reports previously or thereafter made of the physical or mental condition that is the subject matter of the claim;</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>Itemized bills for medical, dental, and hospital expenses incurred or itemized receipts of payment for those expenses;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>If the prognosis reveals the necessity for future treatment, a statement of expected expenses for that treatment;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>If a claim is made for lost wages due to loss of time from employment, a written statement from the claimant's employer stating the actual time lost from employment, whether the claimant is a full or part-time employee, and the wages or salary actually lost;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>If a claim is made for loss of income and the claimant is self-employed, documentary evidence showing the amount of earnings actually lost; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(7)"> <text>Other evidence or information that, in the Treasurer's judgment, may have a bearing on either the responsibility of the State for the personal injury or for the damages claimed.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Property Damage. In support of a claim for property damage or loss, the claimant may be required to submit the following evidence or information:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Proof of ownership or evidence of the claimant's contractual obligation to repair or replace the property;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>A detailed statement of the date of purchase, purchase price, actual cash value at time of the incident, and amount claimed with respect to each item of property reasonably capable of economical repair;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>A detailed statement of the date of purchase, purchase price, actual cash value at time of the incident, and salvage value with respect to each item of property not reasonably capable of economical repair;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>An itemized receipt of payment for emergency repairs or three itemized written estimates of the cost of necessary repairs; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>Other evidence or information that, in the judgment of the Treasurer, may have a bearing on either the responsibility of the State for the property damage or loss or for the damages claimed.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".06" heading="Amendments."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>A claim submitted in compliance with Regulation .01 of this chapter may be amended within 1 year of the date of the injury for any reason, and after that, but before a final denial under Regulation .08 of this chapter, only on the basis of newly discovered evidence.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>A claim submitted to the Treasurer within 1 year of the injury that is not in compliance with Regulation .01 of this chapter:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>May be amended within 30 days of the date of the claim's submission to comply with the requirements of Regulation .01; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Shall be denied pursuant to Regulation .08 of this chapter if not amended in accordance with §B(1) of this regulation.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>An amendment shall be submitted in writing and be signed by the claimant.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" heading="Action on Approved Claims."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>An agreement respecting an award, compromise, or settlement of a claim, regardless of amount, is not valid without the approval of the Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Payment of an award, compromise, or settlement shall be predicated upon the Treasurer's receipt and approval of a claim settlement agreement or a release of all claims properly executed by the claimant.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>If a claimant is represented by an attorney and the claimant's attorney has presented suitable evidence of representation to the Treasurer, a check issued by the Treasurer in payment of an award, compromise, or settlement shall, upon request of the claimant's attorney, designate both the claimant and the attorney as payee and shall be mailed or delivered to the claimant's attorney.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>Acceptance by the claimant of any award, compromise, or settlement offered by the Treasurer and intended by the Treasurer to dispose fully of the claim shall:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Be final and conclusive as to the claimant, the claimant's attorney or legal representative, and any other person on whose behalf or for whose benefit the claim has been presented; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Constitute a full and complete release of any claim by reason of the same subject matter against the Treasurer, the State, and any State personnel whose act or omission gave rise to the claim.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" heading="Denial of Claims."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>A written final denial of a claim by the Treasurer may include a general statement of the reason for the denial.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Subject to §C, below, a claim shall be deemed to be denied finally if the Treasurer fails to give notice of a final decision on the claim within 6 months after the submission of the claim.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Before the beginning of suit and before the expiration of the 3-year period specified in State Government Article, §12-106(b)(3), the Treasurer, upon a written request from the claimant or upon the Treasurer's own initiative, may reconsider a final denial.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>The claimant's submission of a request for reconsideration does not suspend or toll the period established by State Government Article, §12-106(b)(3), Annotated Code of Maryland, for instituting an action.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Finance and Procurement Article, §§9-104 and 9-105; State Government Article, §12-101 et seq; Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: November 4, 1985 (12:22 Md. R. 2109)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Chapter, Coverage Limitations, repealed effective April 16, 1990 (17:7 Md. R. 853)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01—.08, Maryland Tort Claims Act—Claims Administration, adopted effective April 16, 1990 (17:7 Md. R. 853)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03B amended effective January 12, 1998 (25:1 Md. R. 17)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .05C amended effective January 12, 1998 (25:1 Md. R. 17)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .06A, B amended effective January 12, 1998 (25:1 Md. R. 17)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> <chapter num="04" heading="Maryland Tort Claims Act—Actions"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Actions."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>The Treasurer's denial of a claim under COMAR 25.02.03.08 is subject to review only pursuant to State Government Article, §12-108, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>An action shall be filed in the appropriate court within 3 years after the cause of action arises.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Service of the complaint and accompanying documents is sufficient only if made on the Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>An action may not be instituted unless the:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Plaintiff first has submitted a written claim to the Treasurer in accordance with COMAR 25.02.03 within 1 year after the injury, loss, or damage to person or property that is the basis of the claim; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Treasurer has denied the claim finally in accordance with COMAR 25.02.03.08.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Finance and Procurement Article, §§9-104 and 9-105; State Government Article, §12-101 et seq.; Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date:</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01 adopted as an emergency provision effective March 10, 1987 (14:7 Md. R. 828), expired September 7, 1987 (Emergency provisions are temporary and not printed in COMAR)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01, Maryland Tort Claims Act—Actions, adopted effective April 16, 1990 (17:7 Md. R. 853)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01D amended effective January 12, 1998 (25:1 Md. R. 17)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> <chapter num="05" heading="Maryland Tort Claims Act—Inmate Claims"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Scope."> <text>This chapter applies to tort claims filed with the Treasurer pursuant to State Government Article, §12-107, by inmates who are confined in an institution within the Division of Correction or the Patuxent Institution.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Process."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>When an inmate files a claim with the Treasurer, the Treasurer may suspend claims processing pending receipt of the decision of the Inmate Grievance Commission issued pursuant to COMAR 12.07.01.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>If the Treasurer elects to suspend claims processing pursuant to §A, above, the Treasurer shall:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Direct the inmate to file a complaint with the Inmate Grievance Commission, including with that complaint a copy of the Treasurer's notification requiring the inmate to file the complaint with the Inmate Grievance Commission; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Notify the inmate that processing of the claim filed with the Treasurer shall be stayed pending the Treasurer's receipt of the Inmate Grievance Commission's decision on the inmate's complaint.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>The Treasurer may, in the Treasurer's discretion, waive the provisions of §§A and B, above, and process the claim in accordance with COMAR 25.02.03 without awaiting the decision of the Inmate Grievance Commission.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Inmate Grievance Commission."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>If the Inmate Grievance Commission dismisses the inmate's complaint as wholly lacking in merit:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>The Executive Director of the Inmate Grievance Commission shall notify the Treasurer of its decision; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Upon receipt of notification of the Inmate Grievance Commission's decision, the Treasurer then shall process the inmate's claim in accordance with COMAR 25.02.03.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>If the Inmate Grievance Commission recommends to the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services that the inmate be awarded monetary damages pursuant to COMAR 12.07.01.06, and the Secretary affirms the Inmate Grievance Commission's recommendation:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>The Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services shall notify the Treasurer of the Secretary's decision;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Upon receipt of the Secretary's decision and subject to §B(3), below, the Treasurer then shall process the inmate's claim in accordance with COMAR 25.02.03; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>In processing the inmate's claim, the Treasurer may rely on fact-finding undertaken by the Inmate Grievance Commission in its review of the inmate's complaint.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Payment of any award, compromise, or settlement of the inmate's tort claim pursuant to COMAR 25.02.03.07 shall be made through the State Insurance Trust Fund.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>The Treasurer shall notify the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services of the Treasurer's approval or denial of the inmate's tort claim.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Finance and Procurement Article, §§9-104 and 9-105; State Government Article, §12-101 et seq; Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: April 16, 1990 (17:7 Md. R. 853)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> <chapter num="06" heading="Agency Claims"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Filing of Claim for Reimbursement."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Subject to §B, below, when a unit of State government seeks reimbursement from the State Insurance Trust Fund for an occurrence of loss, damage, or liability, the unit shall file its claim with the Treasurer within 60 days after the unit discovers the loss, damage, or liability.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>If the unit discovers an occurrence of loss, damage, or liability in June, it shall file its claim for reimbursement with the Treasurer before July 20th of the next fiscal year.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Theft of Personal Property."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Unless otherwise required by statute or these regulations, a claim of a unit of State government under any insurance program provided by the Treasurer may not be accepted for theft or other disappearance of its personal property.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>A unit of State government shall be solely responsible for the care and custody of its property.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Finance and Procurement Article, §§9-104 and 9-105; State Government Article, §12-101 et seq; Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: April 16, 1990 (17:7 Md. R. 853)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> <chapter num="07" heading="Procurements of Insurance Broker Services and Commercial Insurance Policies"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="General."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Pursuant to State Finance and Procurement Article, Title 9, Annotated Code of Maryland, and subject to the authority of the Board of Public Works under State Finance and Procurement Article, §12-107, Annotated Code of Maryland, the State Treasurer is authorized to engage in and control the procurement of insurance and insurance services.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>The procurement of insurance and insurance services described in this chapter shall be conducted in compliance with State Finance and Procurement Article, Title 9, Annotated Code of Maryland, State Finance and Procurement Article, Division II, Annotated Code of Maryland, and the State procurement regulations in COMAR Title 21.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Insurance Broker Services and Commercial Insurance Coverage."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>The State Treasurer may procure insurance broker services and insurance coverage from:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Insurance brokers licensed in the State of Maryland under Insurance Article, Title 10, Annotated Code of Maryland;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Direct writing insurance companies authorized to do business in the State of Maryland under Insurance Article, Title 4, Annotated Code of Maryland; or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>Any other insurance-related program, plan, or provider that is authorized or permitted to do business in the State.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>The State Treasurer may procure commercial insurance coverage as required by federal law, State law, contract, or agreement or as needed to protect against any loss, damage, or liability that the State Treasurer, in the State Treasurer's sole discretion, considers appropriate to the interests of the State of Maryland;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>When the State Treasurer has determined to procure commercial insurance coverage and insurance broker services through insurance brokers, the State Treasurer shall competitively procure such insurance broker services in accordance with State Finance and Procurement Article, Division II, Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR Title 21 for the types of coverage and services specified in the solicitation.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>The State Treasurer shall select the insurance brokers that it considers most advantageous to the State.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Procurement of Commercial Insurance Coverage Through Insurance Brokers."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Quotes for Insurance Broker Services.</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Following the award of a contract for insurance broker services, at the direction of the State Treasurer, the insurance broker shall request competitive quotes from insurance companies for the type and amounts of insurance coverage and services requested by the State Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>The insurance broker shall provide at least two competitive quotes for all requested commercial insurance coverage unless the insurance broker is unable to provide multiple quotes or, due to the nature of the coverage, market conditions, or otherwise, does not recommend obtaining multiple quotes.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>If the insurance broker is unable to provide multiple quotes, the insurance broker shall provide to the State Treasurer documentation listing the insurance companies that decline to quote on coverage and explaining their decision not to quote on coverage. The State Treasurer shall review the documentation and direct the insurance broker how to proceed.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>If the insurance broker does not recommend providing multiple quotes, the insurance broker shall provide to the State Treasurer written justification and a recommended course of action. The State Treasurer shall review the written justification and recommendation and direct the insurance broker how to proceed.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>The State Treasurer shall select the insurance coverage that it considers most advantageous to the State.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Publication of Solicitations and Contract Awards."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>As required by the provisions of State Finance and Procurement Article, Division II, Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR, Title 21, specified solicitations and awards by the State Treasurer for the procurement of insurance broker services shall be published on eMaryland Marketplace. Such solicitations and awards shall also be published on the State Treasurer's website at www.treasurer.state.md.us.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>The publication of the State Treasurer's website of contract awards to insurance brokers shall invite insurance companies to contact the insurance brokers directly to provide quotes for insurance coverage.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Information regarding commercial insurance policies obtained by the State Treasurer, including the types of coverage obtained and the premiums paid, shall be published on the State Treasurer's website and reported in accordance with COMAR 21.02.01.05C.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Finance and Procurement Article, §§9-102—9-105 and 12-107, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: February 22, 2010 (37:4 Md. R. 341)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> </subtitle> <subtitle num="03" heading="Treasury Management"> <chapter num="01" heading="Crediting of Income Earned on State Monies"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Crediting of Income Earned on Gifts."> <text>Unless a donor provides otherwise, the Treasurer shall credit to the donee unit of State government income resulting from the holding or investment of a gift to the unit.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Crediting of Income Earned on Funds of Certain Educational Institutions."> <text>Interest or income from the investment by the State Treasurer of all funds of the University of Maryland System, Morgan State University, and St. Mary's College shall be credited to each institution and may not be credited to the General Fund of this State.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Crediting of Income Earned on Federal Forfeiture Proceeds."> <text>Interest or income from the investment by the State Treasurer of all funds received under the national asset seizure program shall be credited to the appropriate police agency.</text> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Finance and Procurement Article, §6-226, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: September 10, 1984 (11:18 Md. R. 1585)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01 amended effective September 9, 1985 (12:18 Md. R. 1767)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02 adopted effective September 9, 1985 (12:18 Md. R. 1767)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02 amended effective October 30, 1989 (16:21 Md. R. 2263)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03 adopted effective February 27, 1995 (22:4 Md. R. 237)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> <chapter num="02" heading="Alternative Methods of Funds Transfer"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="General."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Findings. Pursuant to the requirements of the State Finance and Procurement Article, §7-227.1, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Treasurer has determined that the following alternative methods of funds transfer are means generally recognized and accepted by the banking industry for disbursing funds:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>The transfer of funds by use of the Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments system; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>The transfer of funds by the wire transfer payments system.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Authorizations. In accordance with the determination set forth in §A of this regulation, the Treasurer authorizes the use of the alternative methods of funds transfer as follows:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Use of either the ACH payments system or the wire transfer payments system to transfer funds generally between State accounts;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Use of the ACH payments system to make repetitive, routine payments as identified in Regulation .02 of this chapter; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>Use of the wire transfer payments system to make specific payments when payment is due on an absolute date and time or when time of payment is otherwise of the essence.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Allowable Transfers and Disbursements."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Transfers. Funds may be transferred between the various State bank accounts by means of an alternative method of funds transfer authorized by Regulation .01 of this chapter.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Disbursements. Upon warrant of the Comptroller, State funds may be disbursed by means of an alternative method of funds transfer authorized by Regulation .01 of this chapter for the payment of:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Principal, interest, or both, on State debt or the debt of a unit of State government;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Major routine State grants and shared-revenue disbursements to the political subdivisions of the State and to the units of those subdivisions;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>State payroll-related disbursements, including, but not limited to:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>Retirement, pension, and FICA contributions,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>Taxes,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(c)"> <text>Insurance premiums,</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(d)"> <text>Voluntary deductions, and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(e)"> <text>Net pay;</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>Disbursements to the federal government or to a state government;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>Disbursements for the acquisition of investments by the Treasurer; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>Other disbursements that, in the judgment of the Comptroller and the Treasurer, or the authorized representative of either, are, in the interest of the State, best made by an alternative method of funds transfer.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Payment of Net Pay."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Scope. This regulation applies to an employee hired on or after January 1, 2001.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Except as provided in Regulation .05 of this chapter, the Central Payroll Bureau shall pay an employee's net pay by electronic funds transfer to the institution designated by the employee as provided in this regulation.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>When an employee becomes eligible to receive net pay, the employing agency personnel director shall provide to the employee an electronic funds transfer authorization form. If an employee has not requested payment by check under Regulation .05 of this chapter, the employee shall complete the form and submit it to the Central Payroll Bureau.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>The Central Payroll Bureau shall accept an electronic funds transfer authorization form filed by an employee if:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>The employee has completed the form; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>The institution named by the employee on the form participates in the Automatic Clearing House Network.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="E."> <text>An employee may change an institution designated on an electronic funds transfer authorization form by completing and filing a new form with the Central Payroll Bureau.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="F."> <text>The last electronic funds transfer authorization form filed by an employee and accepted by the Central Payroll Bureau shall control the electronic funds transfer of the employee's net pay.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Payment Procedure."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>The Central Payroll Bureau shall transmit an employee's biweekly net pay to the institution designated by the employee as set forth in Regulation .03B of this chapter.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>The Central Payroll Bureau shall give an employee who receives net pay through electronic funds transfer a biweekly advice statement that reflects the following:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Total amount of biweekly pay;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Amounts deducted from the biweekly pay; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>The portion of the biweekly pay electronically transferred.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Payment by Check."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>At the time of hiring, an employee shall be notified of the employee's right to request an exemption from receiving net pay by electronic funds transfer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>An employee may submit a written request to the State Treasurer for payment of the employee's biweekly net pay by check instead of by an electronic funds transfer. The request shall be granted by the State Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Finance and Procurement Article, §7-227.1; State Personnel and Pensions Article, §2-405; Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: October 30, 1989 (16:21 Md. R. 2263)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .02B amended and .03—.05 adopted as an emergency provision effective January 1, 2001 (28:4 Md. R. 415); amended permanently effective May 28, 2001 (28:10 Md. R. 950)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> <chapter num="03" heading="Local Government Investment Guidelines and Reporting Requirements"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Purpose."> <text>This chapter requires local government units to adopt policies to be followed when investing public money and submitting the adopted policies to the State Treasurer for acceptance.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Definitions."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Terms Defined.</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>“Accepted policy” means an adopted policy that has been accepted by the State Treasurer in accordance with Regulation .06 of this chapter.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>“Adopted policy” means a local government investment policy which has been properly adopted by the local government unit in accordance with the requirements of local law, Regulation .05 of this chapter, and COMAR 24.03.04.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>“Board of education” has the meaning stated in Education Article, §1-101(d), Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>“Board of library trustees” means those boards established pursuant to Education Article, Title 23, Subtitle 3, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>“Community college” means a community college other than the Baltimore City Community College and a regional community college established under Education Article, Title 16, Subtitle 2, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>“Financial officer” has the meaning stated in Local Government Article, §17-201, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(7)"> <text>“GFOA” means the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(8)"> <text>“Governing body” has the meaning stated in Local Government Article, §1-101, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(9)"> <text>“Local government unit” means a county, a municipality, a community college, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, a public corporation authorized to issue debt, and an authority of the State authorized to issue debt.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(10)"> <text>“Marked to market” means the price at which a security is trading.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(11)"> <text>“Money market mutual fund” means a mutual fund registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. §80a-1 et seq., as amended, and operated in accordance with Rule 2A-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940, 17 CFR §270.2A-7, as amended.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(12)"> <text>“Public money” has the meaning stated in COMAR 25.03.04.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(13)"> <text>“State Treasurer” means the Treasurer of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="General Requirements for Adoption of Local Government Investment Policy."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>The governing body of each local government unit shall adopt by resolution a written investment policy that:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Complies with State and local law, including:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>State Finance and Procurement Article, §6-222, Annotated Code of Maryland;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>Local Government Article, §17-201 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(c)"> <text>COMAR 25.03.04; and</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Meets or exceeds standards published by nationally recognized financial management organizations recognized by the State Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>The State Treasurer recognizes the standards published by the following nationally recognized financial management organizations:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>GFOA; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>The board of education and the board of library trustees of a county need not adopt a written investment policy but shall invest in compliance with the accepted policy of the county.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="State Law Requirements for Adoption of Local Government Investment Policy."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>At a minimum, each adopted policy shall:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Allow local government units to invest in only those types of securities authorized by:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>State Finance and Procurement Article, §6-222(a), Annotated Code of Maryland;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>Local Government Article, §17-201 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland; and;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(c)"> <text>COMAR 25.03.04;</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Require that investments made by local government units comply with the standards of COMAR 25.03.04;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>Prohibit the borrowing of money for the sole purpose of investment; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>Require that the local government unit’s financial officer not invest public money of the local government unit in a manner inconsistent with its adopted policy.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>A local government unit may include additional requirements in its adopted policy.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Adoption of Local Government Investment Policy and Submission for Acceptance."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>The governing body of each local government unit shall adopt by resolution a written local government investment policy that:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Complies with the requirements of local and State law;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Satisfies the requirements of Regulations .03 and .04 of this chapter and COMAR 25.03.04; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>Meets the individual needs of the local government unit.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Within 30 days following adoption, the governing body of each local government unit shall send a certified copy of its adopted policy and its adopting resolution to the State Treasurer for acceptance.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".06" heading="Check by State Treasurer of Local Government Investment Policy."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Upon receipt, the State Treasurer shall have each adopted policy checked for compliance with this chapter and COMAR 25.03.04, and shall either:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Notify the governing body of the local government unit that its adopted policy has been accepted; or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Return the adopted policy to the governing body of the local government unit for revision and readoption.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>An adopted policy returned by the State Treasurer shall be:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Revised promptly;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Readopted by the governing body of the local government unit in accordance with Regulation .05A of this chapter; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>Resubmitted to the State Treasurer in accordance with Regulation .05B of this chapter.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" heading="Amendment of Accepted Policy."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>An accepted policy may be amended by submitting to the State Treasurer:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>The proposed language of the amendment;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>A certified copy of the adopting resolution of the local government unit; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>A certified copy of the revised local government investment policy which shall contain the amendment.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>The State Treasurer shall consider each amendment in accordance with the provisions of Regulation .06 of this chapter.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" heading="Repealed." /> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".09" heading="Enforcement."> <text>The State Treasurer shall notify a local government unit to seek compliance if the:</text> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Local government unit has not sent the State Treasurer an adopted policy in accordance with Regulation .05B of this chapter;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>State Treasurer determines that the adopted policy is not an accepted policy in accordance with Regulation .06A of this chapter.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>State Treasurer determines that an accepted policy is no longer in compliance with the provisions of:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>State Finance and Procurement Article, §6-222, Annotated Code of Maryland;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Local Government Article, §17-201 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland; or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>COMAR 25.03.04.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">Local Government Article, Title 17, Subtitle 2; State Finance and Procurement Article, §6-222; Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date:</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01—.09 adopted as an emergency provision effective August 1, 1995 (22:17 Md. R. 1310); emergency status expired February 1, 1996</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01—.09 adopted effective February 26, 1996 (23:4 Md. R. 274)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01 amended as an emergency provision effective April 25, 2024 (51:11 Md. R. 577); emergency status expired October 22, 2024</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01 amended effective April 28, 2025 (52:8 Md. R. 361)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02B amended as an emergency provision effective April 25, 2024 (51:11 Md. R. 577); emergency status expired October 22, 2024</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02B amended effective April 28, 2025 (52:8 Md. R. 361)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03A, B amended as an emergency provision effective April 25, 2024 (51:11 Md. R. 577); emergency status expired October 22, 2024</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03 amended effective April 28, 2025 (52:8 Md. R. 361)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .04A amended as an emergency provision effective April 25, 2024 (51:11 Md. R. 577); emergency status expired October 22, 2024</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .04C repealed as an emergency provision effective April 25, 2024 (51:11 Md. R. 577); emergency status expired October 22, 2024</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .04A, C amended effective April 28, 2025 (52:8 Md. R. 361)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .05A amended as an emergency provision effective April 25, 2024 (51:11 Md. R. 577); emergency status expired October 22, 2024</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .05A amended effective April 28, 2025 (52:8 Md. R. 361)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .06A amended as an emergency provision effective April 25, 2024 (51:11 Md. R. 577); emergency status expired October 22, 2024</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .06A amended effective April 28, 2025 (52:8 Md. R. 361)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .08A amended effective December 14, 1998 (25:25 Md. R. 1835)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .08 repealed effective February 19, 2001 (28:3 Md. R. 207)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09 amended effective February 19, 2001 (28:3 Md. R. 207)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09 amended as an emergency provision effective April 25, 2024 (51:11 Md. R. 577); emergency status expired October 22, 2024</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09 amended effective April 28, 2025 (52:8 Md. R. 361)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> <chapter num="04" heading="Policy Regarding the Investment of Public Money by the State of Maryland"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Purpose."> <text>The purpose of this Policy is to set requirements and thresholds for the investment of public money by the State and each local government unit to ensure that public money is invested in a manner that will:</text> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Provide the highest investment return with the maximum security while meeting the anticipated daily cash flow requirements of the State and each local government unit; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Conform to all State laws governing the investment of public money.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Definitions."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Terms Defined.</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>“Investment officer” means:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>With respect to the State, the State’s Chief Investment Officer and any other person authorized by the State Treasurer to invest unexpended or surplus money over which the State Treasurer has custody; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>With respect to a local government unit, the treasurer or other financial officer of a local government unit who is responsible for the investment of public money or the issuance and management of debt of the local government unit.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>“Local government unit” means a county, a municipality, a community college, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, a public corporation authorized to issue debt, and an authority of the State authorized to issue debt.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>“Nationally recognized statistical rating organization” means a nationally recognized statistical rating organization as designated by either the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or the Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>Public Money.</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>With respect to the State, “public money” means unexpended or surplus money over which the State Treasurer has custody; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>With respect to a local government unit, “public money” has the meaning stated in Local Government Article, §17-201, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>“State Treasurer” means the Treasurer of the State of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>“Supranational issuer” includes (without limitation):</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>The World Bank;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>The International Finance Corporation;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(c)"> <text>The Inter–American Development Bank;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(d)"> <text>The African Development Bank; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(e)"> <text>The Asian Development Bank.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Requirements for Investment Officers."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>An investment officer shall employ the “prudent person” standard when making investments. Specifically, an investment officer shall:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Act with the care, skill, and diligence that a prudent investor acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use considering the circumstances then prevailing;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Make investments in a manner designed to reasonably match anticipated cash flow needs so that sufficient funds are available to pay obligations upon proper presentation for payment;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>Make investments so that a reasonable amount of cash or cash equivalents is available for unanticipated cash needs;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>Consider the context of the assets available for investment as a whole and as part of an overall investment strategy that incorporates reasonably suitable risk and return objectives;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>Have due regard for minimizing risk while maximizing return;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>Use competitive purchasing practices except when impractical;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(7)"> <text>Make investments so that the securities and collateral may continue to be priced on a marked to market basis;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(8)"> <text>Act in a manner designed to diversify investments unless, under the circumstances, it is reasonably determined to be in the best interests of the State or local government not to do so;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(9)"> <text>Act with prudence in deciding whether and how to delegate authority and in the selection and supervision of agents;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(10)"> <text>Incur only costs that are appropriate and reasonable in amount; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(11)"> <text>Act to avoid the enhancement of the personal financial position of the investment officer or any employee of the State Treasurer or local government unit who has responsibilities for such investments.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>An investment officer shall comply with the requirements of this chapter and any additional requirements adopted by the State Treasurer in accordance with Regulation .05 of this chapter.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Permitted Investments."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Subject to the requirements in §B of this regulation, public money may be invested in the following types of securities:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>An obligation for which the United States has pledged its faith and credit for the payment of the principal and interest;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>An obligation that a federal agency or a federal instrumentality has issued in accordance with an act of Congress;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>An obligation issued and unconditionally guaranteed by a supranational issuer denominated in United States dollars and eligible to be sold in the United States;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>A repurchase agreement collateralized in an amount not less than 102 percent of the principal amount by an obligation of the United States, its agencies, or instrumentalities, provided the collateral is held by a custodian other than the seller designated by the buyer;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>Bankers’ acceptances guaranteed by a financial institution with a short–term debt rating in the highest letter and numerical rating by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>Commercial paper that has received the highest letter and numerical rating by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(7)"> <text>Money market mutual funds that:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>Are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. §80a–1 et seq., as amended;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>Are operated in accordance with Rule 2A–7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, 17 CFR §270.2A–7, as amended; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(c)"> <text>Have received the highest possible rating from at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization;</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(8)"> <text>Any investment portfolio created under the Maryland Local Government Investment Pool defined under Local Government Article, §§17–301—17–309, Annotated Code of Maryland, that is administered by the Office of the State Treasurer;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(9)"> <text>Tradeable time deposits denominated in U.S. dollars and issued or endorsed by either:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>A bank or a savings and loan association organized and supervised under federal law or the laws of any state and regulated by the Federal Reserve or a trust company which is a member of the Federal Reserve system; or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>A bank organized and supervised under the laws of a foreign country that is rated AA/Aa/AA or higher by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations;</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(10)"> <text>Obligations of domestic corporations that are rated A-/A3/A- or higher by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(11)"> <text>Bonds, notes, or other obligations issued by or on behalf of any state or any agency, department, county, municipal or public corporation, special district, authority, or political subdivision thereof, or in any fund or trust that invests only in securities issued by these entities that are rated A-/A3/A- or higher by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(12)"> <text>Bonds, notes, or other obligations denominated in United States dollars, issued by and subject to the laws of a foreign country that is rated AA/Aa/AA or higher by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(13)"> <text>Mortgage-backed obligations:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>Guaranteed by the United States or a federal agency or a federal instrumentality that were issued in accordance with an act of Congress; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>Having received the highest possible rating from at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations;</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(14)"> <text>Asset-backed obligations having received the highest possible rating from at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(15)"> <text>Non-tradeable time deposits denominated in U.S. dollars and:</text> <paragraph num="(a)"> <text>Issued or endorsed by either:</text> <paragraph num="(i)"> <text>A bank or a savings and loan association organized and supervised under federal law or the laws of any state and regulated by the Federal Reserve or a trust company which is a member of the Federal Reserve system; or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(ii)"> <text>A bank organized and supervised under the laws of a foreign country that is rated AA/Aa/AA or higher by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations; and</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(b)"> <text>Having received:</text> <paragraph num="(i)"> <text>For obligations with maturities of less than 1 year, at least two ratings of A-1/P1/F-1 or higher from at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(ii)"> <text>For obligations with maturities of greater than 1 year, at least two ratings of AA/Aa/AA or higher from at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>An investment officer may invest public money in a given type of security not more than the following percentage of the overall investment portfolio over which the investment officer manages:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>For a security permitted by §A(1) of this regulation, 100 percent;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>For a security permitted by §A(2) of this regulation, 100 percent;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>For a security permitted by §A(3) of this regulation, 40 percent;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>For a security permitted by §A(4) of this regulation, 75 percent;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>For a security permitted by §A(5) of this regulation, 20 percent;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>For a security permitted by §A(6) of this regulation, 35 percent;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(7)"> <text>For a security permitted by §A(7) of this regulation, 50 percent;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(8)"> <text>For a security permitted by §A(8) of this regulation, 100 percent;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(9)"> <text>For a security permitted by §A(9) of this regulation, 35 percent;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(10)"> <text>For a security permitted by §A(10) of this regulation, 25 percent;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(11)"> <text>For a security permitted by §A(11) of this regulation, 25 percent;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(12)"> <text>For a security permitted by §A(12) of this regulation, 20 percent;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(13)"> <text>For a security permitted by §A(13) of this regulation, 25 percent;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(14)"> <text>For a security permitted by §A(14) of this regulation, 25 percent; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(15)"> <text>For a security permitted by §A(15) of this regulation, 35 percent.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Additional Requirements."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>The State Treasurer may adopt additional requirements for the State investment portfolio and for the investment policies of local government units.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>The State Treasurer shall post on the State Treasurer’s Office website any additional requirements implemented in accordance with this regulation.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".06" heading="Exception for Emergencies and Catastrophic Events."> <text>The State Treasurer may make investment decisions inconsistent with this chapter if:</text> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Either:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>The Governor of the State of Maryland has declared a state of emergency in accordance with Public Safety Article, §14-107, Annotated Code of Maryland; or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>A catastrophic event occurs that the State Treasurer determines could dramatically shift credit ratings on any of the assets in the portfolio; and</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>The State Treasurer determines the investment decisions are in the best interest of the State.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">State Finance and Procurement Article, §6-222, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date:</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01—.06 adopted as an emergency provision under new COMAR Chapter .04 Policy Regarding the Investment of Public Money effective April 25, 2024 (51:11 Md. R. 577); emergency status expired October 22, 2024</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01—.06 adopted under new COMAR Chapter .04 Policy Regarding the Investment of Public Money by the State of Maryland effective November 11, 2024 (51:22 Md. R. 964)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01 amended effective April 28, 2025 (52:8 Md. R. 361)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02B amended effective April 28, 2025 (52:8 Md. R. 361)</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03A amended effective April 28, 2025 (52:8 Md. R. 361)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> </subtitle> <subtitle num="04" heading="Maryland 529 Program"> <chapter num="01" heading="Maryland Prepaid College Trust Claim Procedures"> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Scope."> <text>These claim procedures apply to claims arising from the administration of the Maryland Prepaid College Trust and are subject to and in accordance with Education Article, §18-1917, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Definitions."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Terms Defined.</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>“Account holder” means an account holder as defined in Education Article, §18-1901(c), Annotated Code of Maryland ,who, on or after November 1, 2021, had an open and existing prepaid contract, as determined by the Treasurer in the Treasurer’s sole discretion.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>“Claim” means a written demand for monetary damages arising from the administration of the Trust that is submitted to the Treasurer, and that meets the requirements of Regulations .03—.05 of this chapter.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>“Claim Administrator” means the person or people delegated by the Treasurer with the administrative duty of processing claims.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>“Claim Portal” means the online system used for submission and administration of claims.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>“Claimant” means an account holder or qualified beneficiary who submits a claim in accordance with the claim process established in these regulations.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>“Eligible institution of higher education” means an eligible institution of higher education as defined in Education Article, §18-1901(f), Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(7)"> <text>“Maryland 529” means the Maryland 529 Program created by Education Article, Title 18, Subtitle 19, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(8)"> <text>“Prepaid contract” means a prepaid contract as defined in Education Article, §18-1901(j), Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(9)"> <text>“Qualified beneficiary” means a qualified beneficiary as defined in Education Article, §18-1901(l), Annotated Code of Maryland, who, on or after November 1, 2021, was a qualified beneficiary of an open and existing prepaid contract, as determined by the Treasurer in the Treasurer’s sole discretion.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(10)"> <text>“Qualified higher education expenses” means those qualified higher education expenses as defined in Education Article, §18-1901(m), Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(11)"> <text>“Qualified state tuition program” means a qualified state tuition program as defined in Education Article, §18-1901(n), Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(12)"> <text>“State personnel” means a State employee or official who is paid in whole or in part by the Central Payroll Bureau in the Office of the Comptroller.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(13)"> <text>“Submit” or its variations means actual receipt by the Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(14)"> <text>“Treasurer” means the State Treasurer of Maryland or the Treasurer’s Designee.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(15)"> <text>“Treasurer’s designee” means only the Chief Deputy Treasurer, the Deputy Treasurer for the Maryland 529 Program, or the Director of Maryland 529.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(16)"> <text>“Trust” means the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer Prepaid College Trust established under Education Article, Title 18, Subtitle 19, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Submission of Claims."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>A proper claim shall:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Contain a concise statement of facts that sets forth the nature of the claim;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>State the name, address, telephone number, and email address, if any, of the claimant;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>State the prepaid contract account number to which the claim relates;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>Contain a demand for money damages;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(5)"> <text>State the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the legal representative for the claimant, if any;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(6)"> <text>Relate to a prepaid contract that was open and existing on or after November 1, 2021, as determined by the Treasurer in the Treasurer’s sole discretion; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(7)"> <text>Be signed by the claimant, or a legal representative on behalf of the claimant.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>A claim may be submitted:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Online using the Claim Portal which can be accessed on the Maryland 529 website (www.maryland529.com); or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>By mailing a written notice of claim to MPCT Claims, c/o Maryland State Treasurer’s Office, Goldstein Treasury Building, 80 Calvert Street, Annapolis, MD 21401.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>A valid claim that meets the requirements of §A of this regulation, shall be deemed to have been submitted as of the date it is received by the Treasurer.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>Submission of a claim to any unit of State government other than the Treasurer does not constitute proper submission of a claim.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="E."> <text>A claim submitted to the Treasurer that is not in compliance with the requirements stated above shall be denied.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Who May Submit a Claim."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>A claim may be submitted to the Treasurer, as the fiduciary of the Trust, by an account holder, or by the authorized legal representative of the account holder, with respect to a prepaid contract that was open and existing on or after November 1, 2021, as determined by the Treasurer in the Treasurer’s sole discretion.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>A claim may also be submitted to the Treasurer, as the fiduciary of the Trust, by a qualified beneficiary or by the authorized legal representative of the qualified beneficiary, but only with respect to a distribution that was made to the qualified beneficiary or to an eligible institution of higher education on the qualified beneficiary’s behalf and only with respect to a prepaid contract that was open and existing on or after November 1, 2021, as determined by the Treasurer in the Treasurer’s sole discretion.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>A claim submitted by a legal representative shall:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Be presented in the name of the claimant; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Be signed by the legal representative.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>A Claim Administrator may require that any claim submitted by a legal representative be supplemented by evidence that the legal representative is authorized to submit a claim on behalf of the claimant.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Time for Filing."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>A claim shall be submitted not later than 1 year after the date the claim arises.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>The filing deadline set forth in §A of this regulation may not be suspended or tolled by reason of infancy, incompetency, other disability, or filing of suit.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".06" heading="Initial Verification."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>Upon submission of a claim, the Claim Administrator shall:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Verify the claimant’s identity and status as an account holder or a qualified beneficiary under a prepaid contract;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Verify the prepaid contract account information and that the prepaid contract was open and existing on or after November 1, 2021;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>If the claim was submitted by a qualified beneficiary or a legal representative of a qualified beneficiary, verify that the claim relates to a distribution that was made to the qualified beneficiary or to an eligible institution of higher education on the qualified beneficiary’s behalf; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(4)"> <text>Verify that the claim was timely submitted.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>Once the Claim Administrator has verified the information listed in §A of this regulation, the Claim Administrator shall provide a written acknowledgement to the claimant that the claim has been received and will be investigated in accordance with Regulation .07 of this chapter.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>If the Claim Administrator is unable to verify any of the information listed in §A of this regulation, the Claim Administrator will notify the claimant in writing of the need for additional information.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>Following notification in writing in accordance with §C of this regulation, if the Treasurer determines that the claimant has failed to provide the additional information requested in a timely fashion, the claim may be denied.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" heading="Investigation of Claim."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>The Claim Administrator shall investigate a claim following completion of the verification process described in Regulation .06A of this chapter.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>If, during the course of the investigation required by §A of this regulation, the Treasurer or the Claim Administrator determines that additional information is needed to make a determination as to whether to approve or deny a claim, the claimant will be notified in writing of the need for additional information.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Following notification in writing in accordance with §B of this regulation, if the Treasurer determines that the claimant has failed to provide the additional information requested in a timely fashion, the claim may be denied.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>Upon completing the investigation of a claim, the Treasurer shall approve or deny the claim in whole or in part and notify the claimant, or the legal representative or counsel for the claimant, in writing of the final determination.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" heading="Denial of Claim."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>The Treasurer shall notify a claimant, or the legal representative of the claimant, if any, in writing if a claim is denied, and such denial shall be final.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>A written final denial of a claim by the Treasurer may include a general statement of the reason for the denial.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".09" heading="Action on Approved Claim."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>A settlement of a claim with a claimant shall be final and shall fully dispose of the claim.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>A settlement of a claim, regardless of amount, is not valid without the approval of the Treasurer or the Treasurer’s designee.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>Payment of a settlement shall be predicated upon the Treasurer’s receipt and approval of a release of the claim and all claims relating to or arising from the administration of the Trust against the Treasurer, the State, each of the State’s units, all State personnel, Maryland 529, and the Trust, properly executed by the claimant.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="D."> <text>If a claimant is represented by a legal representative and the claimant’s legal representative has presented suitable evidence of authorized representation to the Treasurer, a check issued by the Treasurer in payment of settlement shall, upon request of the claimant’s legal representative, designate both the claimant and the legal representative as payee and shall be mailed or delivered to the claimant’s legal representative.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="E."> <text>Acceptance by the claimant of any settlement offered shall:</text> <paragraph num="(1)"> <text>Be conditioned on an agreement of the account holder to transfer all funds in the prepaid contract account which is the subject of the claim to any other qualified state tuition program;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(2)"> <text>Be final and conclusive as to the claimant, any qualified beneficiary of the prepaid contract to which the claim relates, the claimant’s legal representative, and any other person who has or may make a claim related to the prepaid contract to which the claim relates; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="(3)"> <text>Constitute a complete release of any claim arising from the administration of the Trust against the Treasurer, the State, each of the State’s units, all State personnel, Maryland 529, and the Trust.</text> </paragraph> </paragraph> </regulation> <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".10" heading="Payment of Claims Limited to Assets of Trust."> <paragraph num="A."> <text>As set forth in Education Article, §18-1917(h), Annotated Code of Maryland, any claim by an account holder or a qualified beneficiary shall be made solely against the assets of the Trust.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="B."> <text>The Treasurer’s final determination with respect to each claim will be made independently and in the Treasurer’s sole discretion in the Treasurer’s role as fiduciary to the Trust.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph num="C."> <text>The claims process described in this chapter shall be the exclusive remedy for a claim against the assets of the Trust.</text> </paragraph> </regulation> <annotations> <annotation type="Authority">Education Article, §18-1917, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation> <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: October 14, 2024 (51:20 Md. R. 900)</annotation> </annotations> </chapter> </subtitle>