Ch. 636

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(c)     (1) [ Beginning with the 1997 Regular Session of the General Assembly, an]
AN economic impact analysis rating and an economic impact analysis, as appropriate,
shall be prepared by the Department of [Fiscal] LEGISLATIVE Services for each bill that
is introduced by a member of the General Assembly.

(2) A copy of the economic impact analysis rating and the economic impact
analysis required under this subsection shall be submitted by the Department of [ Fiscal]
LEGISLATIVE Services:

(i) to the primary sponsor of the bill; and

(ii) to the committee to which the bill is referred prior to the hearing
on the bill.

(d)     (1) If the appropriate Executive Branch agency or the Department of
[Fiscal] LEGISLATIVE Services determines that a bill will have minimal or no economic
impact on small businesses, the agency or Department [of Fiscal Services] shall indicate
that determination by a brief written statement.

(2)     If the appropriate Executive Branch agency or the Department of
[Fiscal] LEGISLATIVE Services determines that a bill will have a meaningful economic
impact on small businesses, the agency or Department [of Fiscal Services] shall develop
a complete written economic impact analysis.

(3)     (i) If the appropriate Executive Branch agency or the Department of
[Fiscal] LEGISLATIVE Services determines that a bill will have a meaningful economic
impact on small businesses and is unable to provide a complete written economic impact
analysis, the agency or Department [of Fiscal Services] shall provide a written
explanation of why the agency determined that the bill will have a meaningful economic
impact.

(ii) The explanation may identify the impact in genera] terms and need
not quantify the specific economic impact.

(f) (1) The Executive Branch agency or the Department of [Fiscal]
LEGISLATIVE Services preparing the economic impact analysis rating and the economic
impact analysis required under this section shall consult with, as appropriate:

(i) other units of State government;

(ii) units of local government; and

(iii) business, trade, consumer, labor, and other groups impacted by or
having an interest in the legislation.

(2) On request of the EXECUTIVE Director of the Department of [Fiscal]
LEGISLATIVE Services, a unit of the State or a local government shall provide the
Department [of Fiscal Services] with assistance or information in the preparation of an
economic impact analysis rating and economic impact analysis.

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