WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 85
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Chapter 85
(House Bill 117)
AN ACT concerning
Department of Natural Resources – Maryland Geological Survey Fund –
Establishment
FOR the purpose of establishing the Maryland Geological Survey Fund as a special,
nonlapsing fund in the Department of Natural Resources; requiring interest
earnings of the Fund to be credited to the Fund; and generally relating to the
Maryland Geological Survey Fund.
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
Article – Natural Resources
Section 1–103(b)(2) and 2–202
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2023 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – Natural Resources
Section 2–101
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2023 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
BY adding to
Article – Natural Resources
Section 2–205
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2023 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
Article – State Finance and Procurement
Section 6–226(a)(2)(i)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2021 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – State Finance and Procurement
Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)189. and 190.
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2021 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
BY adding to
Article – State Finance and Procurement
Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)191. Ch. 85 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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Annotated Code of Maryland
(2021 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
Article – Natural Resources
1–103.
(b) (2) (i) Unless otherwise authorized by statute, the Secretary may use
money in a fund or account created under this article for administrative expenses directly
relating to the purposes of the Fund or account up to an amount calculated under a
generally accepted methodology for determining indirect costs.
(ii) The Secretary shall submit any changes to the methodology used
under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph for review and comment to the House
Appropriations Committee and the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee within 45 days
before implementing the methodology.
2–101.
(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) “Commission” means Commission of the Maryland Geological Survey.
(c) “Department” means Department of Natural Resources.
(d) “FUND” MEANS THE MARYLAND GEOLOGICAL SURVEY FUND
ESTABLISHED UNDER § 2–205 OF THIS TITLE.
(E) “Paleontology” means the branch of geology that deals with prehistoric forms
of life through the study of plant and animal fossils.
[(e)] (F) “Secretary” means Secretary of Natural Resources.
[(f)] (G) “Survey” means Maryland Geological Survey.
2–202.
The Survey shall:
(1) Conduct topographic, geologic, hydrographic, and geophysical surveys;
(2) Prepare topographic, geologic, and other types of maps to meet specific
needs; WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 85
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(3) Prepare reports on the extent and character of the State’s geology,
mineral, and water resources; and
(4) Periodically assess the paleontological resources of the State and
coordinate the assessment with interested persons and public agencies.
2–205.
(A) THERE IS A MARYLAND GEOLOGICAL SURVEY FUND IN THE
DEPARTMENT .
(B) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO FINANCE TH E DIRECT AND INDIREC T
COSTS OF ADMINISTERI NG THIS SUBTITLE , INCLUDING LONG –TERM BUDGETING
AND PLANNING FOR SURVEY PROJECTS , PROCUREMENTS , AND EQUIPMEN T
PURCHASES.
(C) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADMI NISTER THE FUND.
(D) (1) THE FUND IS A SPECIAL , NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT
SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE.
(2) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL HOLD THE FUND SEPARATELY ,
AND THE COMPTROLLER SHALL ACC OUNT FOR THE FUND.
(E) THE FUND CONSISTS OF :
(1) MONEY APPROPRIATED IN THE STATE BUDGET TO THE FUND;
(2) INTEREST EARNINGS ; AND
(3) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACCEPTED FOR
THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND.
(F) THE FUND MAY BE USED ONLY FOR:
(1) COVERING THE COSTS OF THE OPERATION OF THE SURVEY;
(2) PURCHASING AND MAINTA INING EQUIPMENT FOR USE BY THE
DEPARTMENT OR THE SURVEY;
(3) FUNDING PROJECTS UNDE RTAKEN AND OVERSEEN BY THE
SURVEY; Ch. 85 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(4) ADMINISTERING THIS SU BTITLE; AND
(5) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENS ES CALCULATED IN ACC ORDANCE WITH
§ 1–103(B)(2) OF THIS ARTICLE.
(G) (1) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL INVES T THE MONEY OF THE FUND
IN THE SAME MANNER A S OTHER STATE MONEY MAY BE IN VESTED.
(2) ANY INTEREST EARNINGS OF THE FUND SHALL BE CREDITE D TO
THE FUND.
(H) EXPENDITURES FROM THE FUND MAY BE MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE STATE BUDGET .
Article – State Finance and Procurement
6–226.
(a) (2) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and unless
inconsistent with a federal law, grant agreement, or other federal requirement or with the
terms of a gift or settlement agreement, net interest on all State money allocated by the
State Treasurer under this section to special funds or accounts, and otherwise entitled to
receive interest earnings, as accounted for by the Comptroller, shall accrue to the General
Fund of the State.
(ii) The provisions of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph do not apply
to the following funds:
189. the Teacher Retention and Development Fund; [and]
190. the Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant Fund; AND
191. THE MARYLAND GEOLOGICAL SURVEY FUND.
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act sha ll take effect
October 1, 2024.
Approved by the Governor, April 9, 2024.