ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                             Ch. 334

(b) (1) After payment has been made to the Department of Health and
Mental Hygiene or to the board of education, if a claim for refund is filed by a relative
within the fifth degree living at the death of the decedent or by the personal
representative of the relative, and the claim is allowed, the claimant shall be entitled
to a refund, without interest, of the sum paid.

(2) A claim for refund under this subsection may not be filed after the
later of:

(i) 3 years after the death of the decedent; or

(ii) 1 year after the time of distribution of the property.

Article - Natural Resources

5-207.

(a)     (1) The Department may purchase and manage lands in the name of the
State, suitable for forest culture, reserves, watershed protection, State parks, scenic
preserves, historic monuments, parkways, and State recreational reserves, using for
these purposes any special appropriation or surplus money not otherwise
appropriated, which is standing to the credit of the Forest Reserve or Park Reserve
Fund. However, an individual tract of land or easement in excess of 100 acres may not
be purchased in Garrett County, except with the approval of the County
Commissioners of that county. The Department may accept any gift of land in the
name of the State to be held, protected, and administered by the Department as State
parks, forests, or other reserves, and used to demonstrate the practical utility of the
land for recreational areas, State parks, scenic preserves, parkways, historic
monuments, timber culture, water conservation, and as a breeding place for wildlife.
Any gift shall be absolute except for the reservation of mineral and mining rights over
and under the land, and a stipulation that it shall be administered for State forest,
park, or recreation purposes.

(2)     The Department shall meet its needs for land in Garrett County by
acquiring the land only from willing sellers, provided that the Department may
acquire by condemnation easements of the minimal extent necessary for access or
utility service to lands of the Department if there is no alternative location or means
of providing the access or service.

(3)      THE DEPARTMENT MAY APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF
RESERVATION FOR PUBLIC USE OF UNPOSSESSED VACANT ABANDONED LAND
PURSUANT TO UNDER TITLE 13 OF THE REAL PROPERTY ARTICLE.

(b)     The Department may accept gifts, donations, or contributions of land from
the federal government or any of its agencies, enter into agreements with the federal
government or any of its agencies, and acquire by lease, purchase, or otherwise, lands
the Department deems suitable for State forests or parks. The Department may make
expenditures from any funds not otherwise obligated for the management,
development, and utilization of the lands. It may sell or dispose of products from the
lands, and make rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this
subsection. Any revenue received from the lands shall be paid into the State Treasury

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