Ch. 352

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

the Department of State Police by this Act shall be so transferred on the effective date of
this Act without any diminution of their rights, benefits, or employment and retirement
status.

SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That all property, including real
or personal property, records, fixtures, appropriations, credits, assets, liabilities,
obligations, rights, and privileges held by the Department' of Public Safety and
Correctional Services to carry out the exclusive functions of the Fire Prevention
Commission, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, or the Explosives Advisory Council
shall be transferred to the Department of State Police on the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That nothing in this Act affects
the term of office of a member of the Fire Prevention Commission or the Explosives
Advisory Council. A person who is a member on the effective date of this Act shall
remain a member for the balance of the term to which appointed, unless the member
sooner dies, resigns, or is removed under provisions of law.

SECTION 6. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, except as otherwise
provided by law, all existing laws, rules and regulations, proposed rules and regulations,
standards and guidelines, policies, orders and other directives, forms, plans,
memberships, contracts, property, investigations, administrative and judicial
responsibilities, rights to sue and be sued, and all other duties and responsibilities
associated with the functions of the Fire Prevention Commission, the Office of the State
Fire Marshal, and the Explosives Advisory Council prior to the effective date of this Act
shall continue in effect under the Department of State Police, until completed,
withdrawn, canceled, modified, or otherwise changed pursuant to law.

SECTION 7. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That all contracts, agreements,
grants, or other obligations entered into by the Fire Prevention Commission or the Office
of the State Fire Marshal, prior to July 1, 1997, are hereby declared to be valid, legal, and
binding obligations of the Department of State Police, enforceable in accordance with
their terms.

SECTION 8. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the publishers of the
Annotated Code of Maryland, subject to the approval of the Department of Legislative
Reference, shall propose the correction of any agency names and titles throughout the
Annotated Code that are rendered incorrect by this Act and any necessary corrections
shall be satisfied by passage of the Annual Corrective Bill of 1998.

SECTION 9. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
July 1, 1997.

Approved May 8, 1997.

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