<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<chapter num="04" heading="Disciplinary Action" title_num="26" subtitle_num="30">
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Denials, Reprimands, Suspensions, and Revocations.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>Subject to the hearing provisions of Regulation .02 of this chapter, the Board may deny, refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke a license if the applicant or licensed marine contractor:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Performs or solicits to perform marine contractor services without a license;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Unless authorized to perform marine contractor services under this title, represents to the public by title, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise that the individual or entity is authorized to perform marine contractor services in the State;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>Violates a provision of Environment Article, Title 17, Annotated Code of Maryland, or a regulation under this subtitle;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(4)">
        <text>Fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a license for the licensed marine contractor or for another individual or entity;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(5)">
        <text>Fraudulently or deceptively uses a license;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(6)">
        <text>Commits any gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct while practicing marine contractor services;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(7)">
        <text>Fails to comply with the terms of a tidal wetlands authorization issued under Environment Article, §16-202 or 16-307, Annotated Code of Maryland;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(8)">
        <text>Violates any provision of, or regulations adopted under, Environment Article, §16-202 or 16-307, Annotated Code of Maryland; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(9)">
        <text>In the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area, as defined under Natural Resources Article, §8-1802, Annotated Code of Maryland, fails to comply with:</text>
        <paragraph num="(a)">
          <text>The terms of a State or local permit, license, or approval; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(b)">
          <text>Any State or local law, an approved plan, or other legal requirement.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>For the purpose of this regulation, an act or omission of any principal, agent, or employee of an applicant or licensed marine contractor may be construed to be the act or omission of the applicant or licensed marine contractor, as well as of the principal, agent, or employee.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Procedures for Disciplinary Action.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>Before taking any action pursuant to Regulation .01 of this chapter or COMAR 26.28.02.04C(2), the Board shall refer a proposed decision to the Secretary, or their designee, for final approval pursuant to State Government Article, §8-205.1, Annotated Code of Maryland. Once a final decision has been made by the Secretary, or their designee, the Board shall give the applicant or licensed marine contractor against whom the action is contemplated notice and the opportunity for contested case hearing.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>At least 30 days before the hearing, the hearing notice shall be:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Served personally; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, to the last known address of the individual or entity.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="C.">
      <text>The notice of hearing and hearing shall conform to the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, State Government Article, Title 10, Subtitle 2, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="D.">
      <text>If, after due notice, the individual or entity against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, the Board nevertheless may hear and determine the matter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="E.">
      <text>A person aggrieved by a final decision of the Board is entitled to judicial review in accordance with State Government Article, §§10-222 and 10-223, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <annotations>
    <annotation type="Authority">Environment Article, Title 17, Subtitles 1—5, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: March 18, 2024 (51:5 Md. R. 233)</annotation>
  </annotations>
</chapter>