ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                                 Ch. 5

is substituted for the former reference to "a given subdivision, or
subdivisions" for brevity and consistency with subsection (f)(4)(i) of this
section.

In subsection (f)(5) of this section, the requirement that the Department
"shall train and certify" building code enforcement officials is substituted
for the former requirement to "assume the responsibility to train and
certify" them for consistency with language used in other revised articles
to state a duty or responsibility.

12-202. MARYLAND ACCESSIBILITY CODE.

(A)     "DEPARTMENT" DEFINED.

IN THIS SECTION, "DEPARTMENT" MEANS THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

(B)     ADOPTION.

(1)      THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADOPT BY REGULATION A STATE
BUILDING CODE TO MAKE BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES ACCESSIBLE AND USABLE BY
INDIVIDUALS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES TO THE EXTENT FEASIBLE.

(2)      THE REGULATIONS SHALL BE DEVELOPED IN CONJUNCTION WITH:

(I)      THE GOVERNOR'S COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT OF PEOPLE
WITH DISABILITIES;

(II)     THE MARYLAND REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION; AND

(III)   THE MARYLAND SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTS.

(C)     ENFORCEMENT.

THE MARYLAND ACCESSIBILITY CODE SHALL BE ENFORCED BY LOCAL
JURISDICTIONS OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL UNITS WITH AUTHORITY OVER
BUILDINGS OR FACILITIES.

(D)     INTERPRETATION; WAIVERS.
THE DEPARTMENT:

(1)      SHALL DECIDE QUESTIONS OF INTERPRETATION OF THE MARYLAND
ACCESSIBILITY CODE; AND

(2)      MAY AUTHORIZE WAIVERS OR EXEMPTIONS UNDER THE MARYLAND
ACCESSIBILITY CODE.

(E)     INVESTIGATION BY DEPARTMENT.                                                     

IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION OF THE MARYLAND
ACCESSIBILITY CODE, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL INVESTIGATE TO DETERMINE IF A
VIOLATION EXISTS.

(F)     ACTION BY DEPARTMENT.

- 483 -