ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor

S.B. 240

Article - Transportation
Section 23-206.3
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2002 Replacement Volume)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Transportation

13-815.

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(6) "Qualified hybrid vehicle" means an automobile that:

(i) Meets all applicable regulatory requirements;

(ii) Meets the current vehicle exhaust standard set under the
National Low-Emission Vehicle Program for gasoline-powered passenger cars; and

(iii) Can draw propulsion energy from both of the following
on-board sources of stored energy:

1.       Gasoline or diesel fuel; and

2.       A rechargeable energy storage system.
23-206.3.

(A)     IN THIS SECTION, "QUALIFIED HYBRID VEHICLE" HAS THE MEANING
STATED IN § 13-815(A)(6) OF THIS ARTICLE.

(B)     A QUALIFIED HYBRID VEHICLE IS EXEMPT FROM THE MANDATORY TESTS
AND INSPECTIONS REQUIRED BY THIS SUBTITLE IF THE VEHICLE OBTAINS A RATING
FROM THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY OF AT LEAST 50 MILES PER
GALLON DURING CITY FUEL ECONOMY TESTS.

(C)     THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL ADOPT REGULATIONS NECESSARY TO
IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 2003. It shall remain effective for a period of four 3 years and, at the end of
September 30, 2007 2006, with no further action required by the General Assembly,
this Act shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect.

May 22, 2003

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

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