Ch. 476                                    2003 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(iii) 3. two consumer representatives from areas of the State
served by different water suppliers;

4. one representative of a Maryland condominium
association; and

5. one representative of the Copper Development Association.

(2) The Task Force shall invite participation of a representative of the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with expertise in water chemistry, as
designated by the EPA Administrator.

(c)     The Governor shall designate the chairman of the Task Force.

(d)     The Department of Housing and Community Development shall staff the
Task Force.

(e)     A member of the Task Force:

(1)     may not receive compensation; but

(2)     is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State
Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

(f)      The Task Force shall:

(1)     determine the extent, patterns, and trends of pinhole leaks in
Maryland;

(2)     investigate the possible causes of pinhole leaks in copper plumbing,
including water chemistry, water treatment practices, water additives, copper
plumbing design and installation practices, including: water chemistry requirements
adopted by the EPA; water treatment practices; water additives; copper plumbing
design, manufacturing, and installation practices; and copper plumbing cleaning and
lining practices;

(2)     (3) investigate the effect of pinhole leaks in copper plumbing on
homeowners' insurance coverage; and

(3) (4) make recommendations regarding possible remedies for pinhole
leaks in copper plumbing and possible steps for Maryland residents to take if they
experience a problem with pinhole leaks.

(g)     The Task Force shall report its findings and recommendations to the
General Assembly on or before December 31, 2003 2004.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take
effect June 1, 2003. It shall remain effective for a period of 7 1 year and 8 months and,
at the end of December 31, 2003 January 31, 2005, with no further action required by
the General Assembly, this Act shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect.

Enacted May 24, 2003.

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