tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69850920622087156382024-03-13T13:54:08.191-04:00Maryland Construction, Real Estate and Land Use LawConstruction, Real Estate and Land Use information from an attorney and member of the Maryland and DC Bars practicing Construction, Real Estate and Land Use Law with an interest in green construction, real estate and development.Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-52817196767982324292013-02-11T10:26:00.001-05:002013-02-11T10:29:12.914-05:00Visit me on FacebookPlease visit me at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Law-Offices-of-Matthew-S-Evans-III-LLC/178734822174812
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Thanks. Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-5474828326134436882012-01-06T10:23:00.008-05:002012-01-10T11:47:12.068-05:00Contractor’s FAQs for Surety BondingToday's post is courtesy of Lance Surety Associates.<br /><br /><br />Contractor’s FAQs for Surety Bonding<br />The amount of paperwork required to bid on a construction project can, at times, be overwhelming. A common prerequisite for many public construction projects is to acquire a surety bond. Although their presence is common within the construction industry, many contractors know little about the services and benefits surety bonds provide. To help dispel myths and misunderstandings, the following is an insider’s look into contractor’s most frequently asked questions regarding surety bonding.<br /><h3><a href="http://www.suretybonds.org/what-are-surety-bonds.htm">What is a surety bond?</a></h3><br />In simple terms, surety bonds are a form of financial guarantee. They help ensure stakeholders that contractors will complete work and play suppliers and laborers per the specifications of the contract. Surety bonds are an agreement between three parties: <br />• An obligee – the project owner<br />• A principal – the bond purchaser or bond owner<br />• A <a href="http://www.suretybonds.org/"> surety</a> – the company who sells the bond and ensures the contract is followed<br /><h3>Where did surety bonds originate?</h3><br />The origin of surety bonds dates back to 1935 with the passage of the Miller Act. This required performance and payment bonds on federal construction projects which exceed $100,000. With the Miller Act’s passage, several state legislatures also adopted similar regulations for smaller projects. These rulings are known as Little Miller Acts.<br />What is the difference between contract bonds and contractor bonds?<br />In short the answer is “nothing.” These terms are used interchangeably to refer to various types of <a href="http://www.suretybonds.org/construction-bonds.htm"> construction surety bonds</a>. The most common types of contract surety bonds are bid bonds, performance bonds and payment bonds.<br />• <a href="http://www.suretybonds.org/bid-bonds.htm">Bid Bonds </a>: guarantees the contractor will enter into a project for the amount he/she bid upon<br />• <a href="http://www.suretybonds.org/performance-bonds.htm">Performance Bonds</a>: these bonds protect project owners from contractor default or if work is not performed as outlined in the contract<br />• <a href="http://www.suretybonds.org/payment-bonds.htm">Payment Bonds</a>: these ensure that all parties involved in the project will be paid appropriately. Often, performance and payment bonds are issued jointly as a single surety bond.<br /><h3>How much do surety bonds cost?</h3><br /><a href="http://www.suretybonds.org/info.htm#cost">Surety bond costs</a> range depending upon the geographic region the bond is required, the financial history of the applicant and the surety’s policy. Those with strong credit ratings will receive the most competitive rates, however those with weaker financial histories are eligible to purchase a bond through a surety company’s bad credit program. Rates range between 1 to 3 percent of the contract amount while high-risk applicants may spend as much as 20 percent of the bond cost.<br /><h3><a href="http://www.suretybonds.org/surety-vs-insurance.htm">What is the difference between bonded and insured?</a></h3><br />One of the most commonly asked questions for surety bonding is how it differs from insurance policies. The main variant between the two is how risk is assessed. For insurance, individuals pay a premium to their insurance company which transfers most risk to the agency that is overseeing the policy. Should a claim be filed, it is the insurance company’s responsibility to ensure all parties are financially compensated. With surety bonds, the element of risk continues to lie with the individual who owns the bond, or the principal. If a claim is filed against the contractor who owns the bond, the principal will be expected to repay damages.<br /><br />Vic Lance (vic@suretybonds.org) is the owner of Lance Surety Bonds a nationwide surety agency. He helps advise contractors and small businesses on the bonding process.Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-58101158153700767152011-10-13T10:18:00.002-04:002011-10-13T10:23:19.603-04:00AnnouncementI am now posting on Facebook rather than the blog. Please visit and "like" my page. I post interesting and useful articles relating to construction and real estate frequently!<br /><br />You are also able to comment. Thanks for following. Click the title link above to connect to the page.Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-60700364669561702022011-08-15T09:13:00.001-04:002011-08-15T09:15:08.872-04:00Baltimore Among Top 10 Markets in College TownsClick the link above for an interesting article on market conditions in Baltimore. Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-73698702309463157342011-04-11T11:12:00.001-04:002011-04-11T11:18:52.998-04:00Maryland First State to Approve International Green Construction CodeThe Maryland House of Delegates concurred with amendments approved by the Senate last week and Maryland has become the first state in the country to approve the International Green Construction Code (IGCC).<br /><br />The IGCC has been developed by the International Code Council, in conjunction with the American Institute of Architects; ASTM International; the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers; the U.S. Green Building Council; and the Illuminating Engineering Society to establish a model code focused on new and existing commercial buildings addressing green building design and performance.<br /><br />Click the title above to read the entire article.Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-72982900835396054392011-03-08T09:24:00.002-05:002011-03-08T09:27:23.251-05:00O'Malley Offers Famers Compromise on Septic BillWith the septic debate raging in Maryland, Governor O'Malley, in his push to require high-end septic systems for new developments, has drafted a compromise to salvage the bill and even plans to wade into a polluted lake at midweek to draw attention to the issue.<br /><br />What's your take on the Septic Bill? Is it toxic? <br /><br />Click the title link to read more.Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-20144133759720121052011-03-07T10:29:00.003-05:002011-03-07T10:33:21.979-05:00Homebuilder Ads Highlight Pitfalls of ForeclosuresHome builders are advertising the benefits of buying a new home over buying a foreclosure home in an effort to attract those customers thinking about purchasing a home out of foreclosure. <br /><br />Click the title link above to read the Washington Post article.Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-25701109055622270492011-03-01T08:12:00.001-05:002011-03-01T08:15:57.911-05:00Builders: Septic Bill Represents State Control Over Local Land UseBuilders should always follow the legislative session; however this year in particular there are a number of bills of interest, including the Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2011. <br /><br />Click the title link above to read an opinion piece on the subject.Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-1658736861644874312011-02-09T09:23:00.004-05:002011-02-09T09:30:28.726-05:00Are wind generators coming to the mid-Atlantic coast?Offshore wind R&D gets $50M boost<br /><br />The departments of Interior and Energy announced a $50 million research and development commitment to jump-start offshore wind energy projects and said the government could begin leasing sites off the mid-Atlantic coast by the end of this year or early next.<br /><br />Read More. Click the title link above.Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-55626544663162193182010-12-13T09:12:00.002-05:002010-12-13T09:16:19.266-05:00Why Contractors Should Notify Bond Companies Quickly!Please click the link above to go to an excellent article by Virginia Construction Attorney Chris Hill.Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-34538227287427392592010-10-04T09:49:00.001-04:002010-10-04T09:52:28.810-04:00Construction spending edges up in August with private sector declines offset by governmentClick the link above for an article from the Sun re: construction spending. It reports that construction spending rose in August. "The weakness in construction activity has been a major drag on the overall economy. Given continuing problems in housing and commercial real estate, analysts are not looking for a sustained rebound in the building industry for some time to come." the numbers might be deceiving however as "In August, private construction fell for a fourth consecutive month, a decline of 0.9 percent that left private sector building at an annual rate of $498.2 billion, the slowest pace since January 1998.Residential construction was down 0.3 percent to an annual rate of $238.5 billion. Residential spending has been down every month starting in May. Housing activity received a temporary boost in the spring as homebuyers rushed to take advantage of a homebuyer tax credit before it expired on April 30. But since that time, home construction has struggled."Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-91358393867554409542010-09-28T07:58:00.001-04:002010-09-28T08:00:10.674-04:00Best Blogs at the Forefront of Sustainable BuildingClick the link above for a blog about the best blogs at the forefront of sustainable building, along with a plethora of other green building resources.Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-41144227213290772352010-08-23T09:24:00.002-04:002010-08-23T09:27:05.509-04:00150 Reasons to Talk to a Construction Lawyer Early in a ProjectPlease find a great article from Chris Hill, a pre-eminent Virginia Construction law attorney. His musing are always insightful and informative. <br /><br />Click the link above for his article.Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-41661848298955869612010-06-04T11:57:00.000-04:002010-06-04T11:58:05.091-04:00Nonresidential Construction Employment Falls in MayJune 4, 2010 | www.abc.org<br />Nonresidential Construction Employment Falls in May<br /><br />"A combination of factors, including still tight credit and high commercial vacancy rates, conspired to reverse what had been growing construction employment momentum." —ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu<br /><br />Employment in the nation’s nonresidential construction industry fell by 4,200 jobs in May after an across-the-board jobs gain the previous month, according to June 4 employment report by the U.S. Labor Department. Since May 2009, the nonresidential building construction sector has lost 55,400 jobs, or 7.5 percent, and the employment stands at 684,300. (See Analysis below)<br /> <br />Hardest hit was the nonresidential specialty trade sector where employment fell by 16,500 jobs for the month and 251,700, or 11.3 percent, since May 2009. The heavy and civil engineering construction sector lost 7,400 jobs in May and 53,200, or 6.2 percent, since the same time last year.<br />Residential construction employment slipped by 3,300 jobs last month and has lost 66,400 jobs, or 10.3 percent, since May 2009. The construction industry as a whole lost 35,000 jobs in May – the first monthly job loss since February. Over the past twelve months, the industry lost 529,000 jobs, or 8.6 percent of total employment. The national unemployment rate for the construction industry in May is 20.1 percent.<br />Overall, total employment for all industries was up by 431,000 jobs in May, with temporary Census workers accounting for 411,000 of those jobs. Private sector employment gained 41,000 jobs for the month. On a year-over-year basis, total employment is down 585,000, or 0.4 percent, and the nation’s unemployment rate in May stands at 9.7.<br />Analysis<br />“At first glance, today's jobs report could be viewed as very positive. However, nothing could be more disappointing,” said Associated Builders and Contractors Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Almost all of the jobs added are temporary federal government positions, and for the construction industry as a whole, last month represented a setback.<br />“Undoubtedly, a combination of factors, including still tight credit and high commercial vacancy rates, conspired to reverse what had been growing construction employment momentum,” said Basu. “In addition, the lower unemployment rate for the industry tells us that more people have given up trying to find construction jobs."<br />“Meanwhile, the financial markets are responding badly to today's employment release. The data indicates that the nation’s economic recovery remains fragile and has not yet become self sustaining,” Basu said. “It will be interesting to see if job growth numbers turn negative again later this year once Census Bureau hiring begins to trail off.”Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-52751549431027356832010-05-25T14:30:00.000-04:002010-05-25T14:31:09.836-04:00Construction Backlog up 4.5 Percent in First Quarter of 2010FROM ABC:<br /><br />WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 25, 2010) - Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today released its Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) for the first quarter of 2010 showing a 4.5 percent increase in construction backlog orders to 6.07 months, up from 5.81 months in the fourth quarter of 2009. Over the two-month period from February to March of this year, CBI shot up 17 percent and now stands at 6.05 months.<br />While the CBI rose in all areas of the country except the West from February to March, the Northeastern United States is the only region to see a higher backlog when compared to March 2009. CBI is a forward-looking indicator that measures the amount of construction work under contract to be completed in the future. <br />"The fact that the CBI is on the rise illustrates that the improvements recently seen in various other indicators, including construction spending, will continue through much of the balance of 2010," said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. "However, the overall impact of the recession may not be at an end or approaching an end. It remains too soon to tell whether the current momentum will continue through 2011. <br />"As an indicator, the nonresidential construction industry tends to lag the overall economy by 12 to 24 months. With the broader economy having been in recovery for the better part of a year, and with stimulus spending still having an impact, the expectation is that for now, backlog will remain stable or better in the months ahead," Basu said. "Still, there are many forces at work that suggest that the sector's recovery may not be sustained as stimulus monies are steadily drawn down and commercial construction remains weak due to high vacancy rates and tight credit," Basu said. <br />Regional Highlights<br />o The Northeast presently enjoys the highest construction backlog at 7.31 months in March 2010.<br />o The South and Middle States have also been experiencing a rise in backlog, but are still down compared to the same time last year.<br />o In the West, backlog stands at 5.76 months in March 2010, roughly the same level as in August 2009, and has yet to demonstrate significant momentum.<br />CBI Map of Regions, January 2009 v. January 2010<br /> <br />Regional Analysis <br />"Overall, the nation's nonresidential construction industry is in the early stages of a rebound, and this is apparent in CBI statistics for the Northeast, South and Middle States. However, it appears momentum has stalled in the West, which may be due in part to the prevalence of serious state and local fiscal issues, as well as weak housing market performance," said Basu.<br />Industry Highlights <br />o Backlog has been roughly flat for several months in the infrastructure category, posting at 9.33 months in March 2010. <br />o Backlog in both the heavy industrial and commercial/institutional categories have been on the rise, coming in respectively at 6.61 months and 6.31 months in March 2010. <br />Industry Analysis <br />"Construction backlog is no longer falling, and in fact, was rising during the first quarter of 2010 – a sign that nonresidential construction's rebound is spreading beyond government-financed projects and is increasingly private-sector motivated. It is important to note that the relative flatness of construction backlog in the infrastructure category shows that much of the money associated with the stimulus package has been obligated and is already reflected in backlog," Basu said. <br />Highlights by Company Size <br />o Those firms with annual revenue less than $30 million, those with revenue between $50 million and $100 million, and companies with revenue in excess of $100 million reported the greatest backlog increase in March 2010 compared to the previous month. <br />o Firms reporting revenue between $50 million and $100 million saw their backlog rise more than one month in March 2010 and now stands at 8 months compared to February 2010. <br />o In contrast, firms with annual revenue between $30 million and $50 million saw their backlog decrease 0.5 months from February to March. <br />Company Size Analysis <br />"Average backlog is now at its lowest level among firms with annual revenue in both the $50 million to $75 million category and the $75 million to $100 million category. Many of these firms appear to be general contractors that continue to be underbid by larger firms with greater resources and greater capacity to undertake projects with little or no profit margin built into their bids. In addition, larger firms may also be more likely to maintain productive banking relationships, allowing them to more nimbly access available contractual opportunities," said Basu. "As for contractors in the $30 million and under category, the impact of the federal stimulus package, as well as an improving economy, is channeling down to them through subcontracting." <br />### <br />Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association with 77 chapters representing 25,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms with two million employees.Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-850038837479233332010-05-25T10:14:00.002-04:002010-05-25T10:16:35.861-04:00Leading Lawyers 2010The results of the second What’s Up? Annapolis attorney peer-review survey are out. Once again, the editors of What’s Up? Annapolis have compiled a comprehensive list of leading attorneys practicing in the Annapolis area.<br /><br />Matt Evans was recognized in the Construction Law category. <br /><br />Click the link above to see the entire list and read the article.Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-34790556534126841942010-05-25T08:54:00.005-04:002010-05-26T02:47:20.391-04:00Surety Bonds Explained<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cmse%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="Edit-Time-Data" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cmse%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_editdata.mso"><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cmse%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link 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mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125);">I am pleased to have a guest post today by Kevin Kaiser of suretybonds.com. Please feel free to contact Kevin at: <a href="mailto:kevin@suretybonds.com">kevin@suretybonds.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125);"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="surety-bonds-logo" style="'width:207pt;height:40.5pt'"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\mse\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.gif" href="cid:image003.gif@01CAF5AA.87437170"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]-->
<br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125);"><o:p> </o:p></span>Surety Bonds Explained</p> <p>While many people may not realize it, surety bonds of all descriptions are a critical component of business today in the United States. A wide variety of industries are required to carry surety bonds, and a variety of business types from construction companies to retirement communities are built upon surety bonds. But what are surety bonds and how do they work?</p> <p>A surety bond is essentially an agreement between three parties: the principal (the party required to have the bond), the obligee (the party requiring the bond), and the surety bond company (the party who sells the bond). The bond represents an agreement between these three parties that the principal will adhere to the terms set forth in the bond (generally that they will perform their business practices ethically and in accordance with federal, state, and local laws) and that if they do not, a claim will be filed against the bond by the obligee in order to receive restitution for the wrongdoing. In the event of such a claim, the surety company pays the obligee damages and then requires reimbursement from the principal.</p> <p>In most cases, surety bonds work synergistically with the business practices of most industries, and the bond is in place merely to ensure that the bonded company behaves ethically and according to the legal standards for its profession. However, there are occasional exceptions to this situation, and sometimes new business practices and surety bond regulations can clash, as is the case with green construction bonds.</p> <p>Nearly every construction project undertaken in the US today requires a surety bond, which has been the case for nearly a century. As the construction industry has evolved to include greener, environmentally friendly methods of construction, the industry has found a conflict between the required performance bonds for these projects and the third-party certifications often necessary to qualify a project as green. Surety companies usually rely on a construction company’s financial health, work history, and expertise to issue a bond, but in the case of a green project, the responsibility for the project’s success no longer rests solely on the construction company in question, but instead partially on a third party’s approval. As a result, many surety companies will not bond a green construction project. Legislation is currently being constructed to accommodate this discrepancy between the reality of the construction industry and the requirements of the surety bond industry, but until the matter is resolved, many green building projects have had to take a necessary hiatus. </p> <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-79588278291247907802010-04-13T09:08:00.003-04:002010-04-13T09:10:52.795-04:0050 Greenest Buildings Around the WorldPlease click the title link to an interesting article ranking the 50 greenest buildings around the world. Thanks to Betty Jones for sending this over to me. <br /><br />If anyone has any comments or thinks there should be any other buildings on this list, please let me know.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-33672516227180937722010-03-04T11:18:00.001-05:002010-03-04T11:20:02.003-05:00Should Subcontractors Share the Risk of Owner Non-PaymentClick the title link above for an interesting article from Construction Advisor Today. <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-72137330698008700102010-03-03T16:11:00.001-05:002010-03-03T16:13:38.027-05:0055 Resources on State Construction LawsClick the title link above for 55 sites providing resources on State Construction Laws. <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-247961900453541822010-02-15T12:00:00.001-05:002010-02-15T12:05:06.883-05:00Maryland General Assembly UPDATE Green BuildingHere is an update on Green Building Legislation. If you want more information, please contact me.<br /><br />MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2010 SESSION<br />PENDING BILLS RELATING TO GREEN BUILDING<br /><br />BILL NUMBER/TITLE: SB 215, High Performance Buildings Act – Applicability to Recipients of State Aid<br />LEAD SPONSOR: Senator Brian Frosh<br />SUMMARY: Amends the existing High Performance Buildings Act, the law requiring state-owned buildings to meet or exceed a LEED Silver rating or an equivalent, by making the requirement applicable to capital projects that are funded solely or partly by a grant of state aid to specified grantees. Definitions of “Grantee” and “State Aid” are incorporated by reference to the State Finance and Procurement Article, Section 7-406(a)(3) and (5). “Grantee” is defined as a for-profit or non-profit entity or association that receives State aid during a fiscal year, not including a unit of State or local government. “State Aid” is defined as a contribution, grant, or subsidy of $50,000 or more provided through the State operating or capital budget or by the action of a unit of State government from State funds appropriated to that unit, not including reimbursements to providers participating in a State program.<br />INTRODUCED: 1/21/10<br />COMMITTEE: Budget and Taxation<br />ACTION: 2/2/10 Committee Hearing<br /><br />http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0215.htm<br /><br /><br />BILL NUMBER/TITLE: SB 234, High Performance Buildings Act – Applicable to Community College Capital Projects<br />LEAD SPONSOR: Senator James Robey<br />SUMMARY: Amends the existing High Performance Buildings Act, the law requiring state-owned buildings to meet or exceed a LEED Silver rating or an equivalent, by making the requirement applicable to community college capital projects that receive State funds.<br />INTRODUCED: 1/22/10<br />COMMITTEE: Budget and Taxation<br />ACTION: 2/10/10 Committee Hearing<br />CHAPTER POSITION: Support<br />http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0234.htm<br />BILL NUMBER/TITLE: HB 224, Plumbing – Greywater Recycling<br />LEAD SPONSOR: Delegate Dan Morhaim<br />SUMMARY: Prohibits counties from adopting or enforcing provisions of a local plumbing code that prohibit a system that recycles greywater. “Greywater” is defined as used, untreated water generated by a clothes washing machine, shower or bathtub.<br />INTRODUCED: 1/22/10<br />COMMITTEE: Economic Matters<br />ACTION: 2/3/10 Committee Hearing<br /><br />http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/hb0224.htm<br /><br /><br />BILL NUMBER/TITLE: HB 705, Energy Performance Ratings – State, County and Municipal Buildings<br />LEAD SPONSOR: Delegate Dana Stein<br />SUMMARY: Requires state and local governments to post, in a building’s public area, the Energy Star ratings of government-owned buildings. Effective October 1, 2010 for state government buildings of 100,000 square feet or more. Effective October 1, 2011 for local government buildings and state government buildings of less than 100,000 square feet.<br />INTRODUCED: 2/4/10<br />COMMITTEE: Health and Government Operations<br />ACTION: None<br /><br />http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/hb0705.htm<br /><br /><br />BILL NUMBER/TITLE: SB 656, Energy Performance Ratings – State, County and Municipal Buildings (Cross-file of HB 705)<br />LEAD SPONSOR: Senator Mike Lenett<br />SUMMARY: See HB 705 above<br />INTRODUCED: 2/5/10<br />COMMITTEE: Education, Health and Environmental Affairs<br />ACTION: None<br /><br />http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0656.htm<br /><br /><br />BILL NUMBER/TITLE: SB 277, Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard – Solar Energy<br />LEAD SPONSOR: President Mike Miller (by request of Administration)<br />SUMMARY: Accelerates the percentage of electricity that utilities must derive from solar energy in meeting the State goal of 2% derived from solar energy by 2022. Increases compliance fee utilities must pay when failing to meet the solar energy requirement.<br />INTRODUCED: 1/22/10<br />COMMITTEE: Finance<br />ACTION: 2/16/10 Committee Hearing<br />http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0277.htm<br />BILL NUMBER/TITLE: HB 471, Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard – Solar Energy (Cross-file of SB 277)<br />LEAD SPONSOR: Speaker Michael Busch (by request of Administration)<br />SUMMARY: See SB 277 above.<br />INTRODUCED: 1/29/10<br />COMMITTEE: Economic Matters<br />ACTION: 2/16/10 Committee Hearing<br />http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/hb0471.htm<br /><br /><br />BILL NUMBER/TITLE: SB 479, State Capital Projects – High Performance Buildings – Green Globes Rating<br />LEAD SPONSOR: Senator Lowell Stoltzfus<br />SUMMARY: Alters the definition of "high performance building" in the State High Performance Buildings Act to include a building that achieves a rating of at least two Green Globes according to the Green Globes Program as adopted by the Green Building Initiative.<br />INTRODUCED: 2/1/10<br />COMMITTEE: Budget and Taxation<br />ACTION: None<br />http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0479.htm<br /><br /><br />BILL NUMBER/TITLE: SB 287, Maryland Clean Energy Incentive Act of 2010<br />LEAD SPONSOR: President Mike Miller (by request of Administration)<br />SUMMARY: Extends the Clean Energy Incentive Tax Credit, set to expire at the end of 2010, for an additional 5 years. Offers state income tax credit for electricity generated by qualified resources of .85 cents per kilowatt hour, and .50 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity generated from co-firing a qualified resource with coal.<br />INTRODUCED: 1/22/10<br />COMMITTEE: Budget and Taxation<br />ACTION: 2/17/10 Committee Hearing<br />http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0287.htm<br />BILL NUMBER/TITLE: HB 464, Maryland Clean Energy Incentive Act of 2010 (Cross-file of SB 287)<br />LEAD SPONSOR: Speaker Michael Busch (by request of Administration)<br />SUMMARY: See SB 287 above<br />INTRODUCED: 1/29/10<br />COMMITTEE: Ways and Means; Economic Matters<br />ACTION: None<br />http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/hb0464.htm<br /><br /><br />BILL NUMBER/TITLE: SB 285, Sustainable Communities Act of 2010<br />LEAD SPONSOR: President Mike Miller (by request of Administration)<br />SUMMARY: In order to better coordinate and target existing State community revitalization programs to achieve investment in housing, historic preservation, economic growth and transportation development…provides for designation of certain areas in the State as “sustainable communities” eligible for certain State programs. Re-establishes and alters the Heritage Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program to be the Sustainable Communities Tax Credit Program. Provides for an additional Sustainable Communities tax credit to commercial rehabilitations that achieve a LEED Gold or equivalent rating.<br />INTRODUCED: 1/22/10<br />COMMITTEE: Budget and Taxation<br />ACTION: 2/17/10 Committee Hearing<br />http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0285.htm<br /><br /><br />BILL NUMBER/TITLE: HB 475, Sustainable Communities Act of 2010 (Cross-file of SB 285)<br />LEAD SPONSOR: Speaker Michael Busch (by request of Administration)<br />SUMMARY: See SB 285 above<br />INTRODUCED: 1/29/10<br />COMMITTEE: Ways and Means; Environmental Matters<br />ACTION: None<br />http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/hb0475.htm<br />BILL NUMBER/TITLE: SB 355, Energy Companies – Net Energy Metering – Payment for Accrued Generation Credit<br />LEAD SPONSOR: Senator Paul Pinsky<br />SUMMARY: Provides that a utility “customer-generator” with a net metering contract or tariff who generates electricity from a renewable source shall be credited at the same retail rate that they pay for electricity consumption. A customer-generator served on a time-of-use tariff shall be credited using time-of-use rates.<br />INTRODUCED: 1/28/10<br />COMMITTEE: Finance<br />ACTION: 2/9/10 Committee Hearing<br />http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0355.htm<br /><br /><br />BILL NUMBER/TITLE: HB 701, Energy Companies – Net Energy Metering – Payment for Accrued Generation Credit (Cross-file of SB 355)<br />LEAD SPONSOR: Delegate Sue Hecht<br />SUMMARY: See SB 355 above<br />INTRODUCED: 2/4/10<br />COMMITTEE: Economic Matters<br />ACTION: 3/2/10 Committee Hearing<br />http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/hb0701.htm<br /><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-1562279972006521632010-01-21T11:12:00.003-05:002010-01-21T11:23:47.078-05:00Maryland General Assemby Update 1/21/2010Bills of Interest to the Construction Industry:<br /><br />New Bills as of 1/21:<br /><br />SB 200<br />Senator Edwards<br />WIND–POWERED ELECTRIC GENERATING FACILITIES – DECOMMISSIONING AND RESTORATION – SURCHARGE, BOND, OR OTHER SECURITY, AND FUND<br />Requiring the Public Service Commission to establish a surcharge on wind–powered electric generating facilities in the State with a generating capacity that does not exceed 70 megawatts; requiring the Comptroller to collect the revenue from the surcharge and deposit it into the Maryland Wind–Powered Electric Generating Facility Decommissioning and Restoration Fund; authorizing a wind–powered electric generating facility to post a bond or other security acceptable to the Commission in lieu of the surcharge; etc.<br />EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010<br />PUC, §§ 7-213 and 7-214 - added<br /><br />SB 215<br />Senator Frosh, et al<br />HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS ACT – APPLICABILITY TO RECIPIENTS OF STATE AID<br />Making the High Performance Buildings Act applicable to capital projects that are funded solely or partly by a grant of State aid to specified grantees.<br />EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010<br />SF, § 3-602.1 - amended<br />Assigned to: Budget and Taxation<br /><br />The House:<br /><br />No additional Legislation<br /><br /><br />See below for prior updates. Click the title link above to search for yourself. As always, email me with any specific questions. Thanks.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-76110370064869857682010-01-18T17:04:00.002-05:002010-01-18T17:21:37.265-05:00Maryland General Assembly Update 1/18/10Here is an update on the status of some bills relevant to the Construction Industry. Click the title link to go to the MGA website. If you have detailed questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.<br /><br />In the Senate:<br /><br />1.SB 23<br />Energy Companies - Net Energy Metering - Credit Transfers<br />Senate: First Reading Finance - 1/13<br /><br />2.SB 50<br />Electric Companies - Net Energy Metering<br />Senate: First Reading Finance - 1/13<br /><br />In the House:<br /><br />1. HB 42<br />Real Estate Appraisers - Knowledge of Value of Real Estate - Prohibited<br />House: First Reading Economic Matters - 1/13<br /><br />Some new bills:<br />SB 106<br />The President (By Request – Administration), et al<br />LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT – JOB CREATION AND RECOVERY TAX CREDIT<br />Providing a credit against the State income tax for qualified employers employing specified individuals in qualified positions; providing for certification by the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation of qualified employers eligible for the credit and the maximum credit for which a qualified employer is eligible; limiting the credit to $250,000 for each qualified employer; limiting the aggregate credit that may be approved by the Secretary to $20,000,000, to be allocated on a first–come, first–served basis; etc.<br />EMERGENCY BILL<br /><br />HB 92<br />The Speaker (By Request – Administration), et al<br />LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT – JOB CREATION AND RECOVERY TAX CREDIT<br />Providing a credit against the State income tax for qualified employers employing specified individuals in qualified positions; providing for certification by the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation of qualified employers eligible for the credit and the maximum credit for which a qualified employer is eligible; limiting the credit to $250,000 for each qualified employer; limiting the aggregate credit that may be approved by the Secretary to $20,000,000, to be allocated on a first–come, first–served basis; etc.<br />EMERGENCY BILL<br />LE, §§ 11-1101 through<br /><br />More to come....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-30347337363067260622010-01-14T11:13:00.003-05:002010-01-14T11:41:34.002-05:00Maryland General AssemblyI took a brief hiatus from blogging over the holidays and enjoyed a short vacation. Now with the new year upon us, I intend to reinvigorate this blog and hopefully turn itself into something more useful for those in the construction industry. I am also working on a construction law website which I intend to roll out later this year.<br /><br />The Maryland General Assembly is now in session, as of yesterday. I am going to track and comment on some bills which have been introduced in the House or Senate which might affect the construction and real estate industries. This might not be inclusive as things change frequently.<br /><br />SB 23- Relating to Green Energy<br />Senator Mooney<br />ENERGY COMPANIES – NET ENERGY METERING – CREDIT TRANSFERS<br />Authorizing specified not–for–profit customers to transfer all renewable energy generation credits from net energy metering to specified properties; and requiring the Public Service Commission to adopt specified regulations.<br />EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">PUC</span>, § 7-306(a) and (i) - amended and § 7-306(i) - added<br />Assigned to: Finance<br /><br />SB 50-Relating to Green Energy<br />Senator Mooney<br />ELECTRIC COMPANIES – NET ENERGY METERING<br />Repealing a limitation on the period of time that a specified eligible customer–generator may accrue specified generation credit; repealing a limitation on the time that a specified electric company is required to carry forward a generation credit or a negative kilowatt–hour reading; requiring a specified electric company to carry forward a specified generation credit until specified events occur; etc.<br />EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">PUC</span>, § 7-306 - amended<br />Assigned to: Finance<br /><br />SB 103- Landscape Architects<br />STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS – SUNSET EXTENSION AND PROGRAM EVALUATION<br />Continuing the State Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects in accordance with the provisions of the Maryland Program Evaluation Act (sunset law) by extending to July 1, 2024 the termination provisions relating to specified statutory and regulatory authority of the Board; requiring that an evaluation of the Board and the statutes and regulations that relate to the Board be performed on or before July 1, 2023; and requiring the Board to submit a specified report on or before October 1, 2011.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">HB</span> 29<br />Delegate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Braveboy</span><br />REAL PROPERTY – CONDOMINIUMS AND HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS – PRIORITY OF LIENS<br />Establishing that, in a foreclosure sale of a condominium unit or a lot in a homeowners association, a portion of a contract lien consisting of not more than 6 months of specified unpaid assessments, including attorney’s fees or specified costs, has priority over the claim of the holder of a first mortgage or deed of trust recorded against the unit or lot after October 1, 2010 under specified circumstances; establishing that a lot owner in a homeowners association is liable for specified assessments and charges; etc.<br />EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010<br />RP, § 11-110(d) -<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">HB</span> 42<br />Delegate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Conaway</span><br />REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS – KNOWLEDGE OF VALUE OF REAL ESTATE – PROHIBITED<br />Prohibiting specified real estate appraisers from providing real estate appraisal services under specified circumstances in which the specified real estate appraisers know the asking price or the selling price of the real estate being appraised; providing that a person who violates the Act is guilty of a misdemeanor; and establishing penalties.<br />EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010<br />BOP, § 16-705.2 - added and § 16-706 - amended<br />Assigned to: Economic Matters<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">HB</span> 64<br />Delegate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">McConkey</span><br />REAL PROPERTY – RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST – FORECLOSURE SALES<br />Creating a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">rebuttable</span> presumption that a foreclosure sale of specified residential real property is invalid if the sale begins more than 30 minutes after the scheduled time for the sale.<br />EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010<br />RP, § 7-105 - amended<br />Assigned to: Environmental Matters<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">HB</span> 80<br />Chair, Economic Matters Committee (By Request – Departmental – Labor, Licensing and Regulation)<br />STATE BOARD FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS<br />Requiring the State Board of Professional Engineers to adopt regulations to require a demonstration of continuing professional competency for a licensee as a condition of renewal of a license subject to specified exceptions; authorizing the Board to issue a retired status license to specified individuals; prohibiting the holder of a retired status license from practicing professional engineering; authorizing the holder of a retired status license to use a specified designation; etc.<br />EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2010<br />BOP, § 14-314 - amended and § 14-316 - added<br />Assigned to: Economic Matters<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">HB</span> 84<br />Chair, Economic Matters Committee (By Request – Departmental – Labor, Licensing and Regulation)<br />STATE BOARD OF HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR–CONDITIONING, AND REFRIGERATION CONTRACTORS – MEMBERSHIP<br />Increasing the number of members of the State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air–Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors to include two additional contractor members; and requiring that the two additional Board members be appointed without regard to geographic region or location in the State.<br />EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2010<br />BR, § 9A-202 - amended<br />Assigned to: Economic Matters<br /><br />It's still early and surely there are more to come.<br /><br />Click the link above to go to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">MGA</span> website. If you have any questions, let me know. <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985092062208715638.post-832405781251748312009-12-02T10:29:00.005-05:002009-12-02T10:42:59.596-05:00More on Chinese DrywallThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CPSC</span>) issued a report on Chinese drywall today. The study of fifty-one homes found a strong association between the problem drywall, the hydrogen sulfide levels in homes with that drywall, and corrosion in those homes. The study included homes in Florida, Louisiana, Virginia, Alabama, and Mississippi. While the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CPSC</span>) has aggressively pursued a detailed investigation into the Chinese drywall supply chain, it remains difficult to estimate the total number of homes that could contain problem drywall. From the consumer end of the chain, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CPSC</span> has received over 2000 consumer reports from thirty-one states, the District of Columbia and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Puerto</span> Rico. According to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">CPSC</span>, only two reports have come from Maryland. The reported problem drywall was installed in homes mostly between 2006 and 2007. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CPSC</span> has a website devoted to the issue. http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/index.html.<br /><br />If you are a contractor who may have purchased and used Chinese Drywall or believe you have Chinese Drywall in your home and have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.<br /><br />To review the report, click the title link above.Matthew S. Evans, IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144419377434067173noreply@blogger.com0