Maryland § 12-101

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 12-101, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12-101.

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

    (b)    “Board” means the Maryland Small Business Retirement Savings Board.

    (c)    (1)    “Covered employee” means an individual who is employed by a covered employer.

        (2)    “Covered employee” does not include:

            (i)    an employee covered under the federal Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. Sec. 151) or an employee engaged in interstate commerce so as not to be subject to the legislative powers of the State, except insofar as application of this title is authorized under the United States Constitution or laws of the United States;

            (ii)    an employee eligible to participate in a qualifying retirement plan;

            (iii)    an employee covered by a valid collective bargaining agreement that expressly provides for a multi–employer retirement plan described in 26 U.S.C. § 414(f); or

            (iv)    an employee who is under the age of 18 years before the beginning of the calendar year.

    (d)    (1)    “Covered employer” means a person engaged in a business, an industry, a profession, a trade, or any other enterprise in the State, whether for profit or not for profit, that pays the covered employer’s employees through a payroll system or service.

        (2)    “Covered employer” does not include:

            (i)    the federal government;

            (ii)    the State or any unit of the State;

            (iii)    a county or any unit of the county;

            (iv)    a municipal corporation or any unit of the municipal corporation;

            (v)    an employer that currently offers an employer–offered savings arrangement that was established separately from the requirements of this title;

            (vi)    an employer that, at any time during the preceding 2 calendar years, offered an employer–offered savings arrangement that was established separately from the requirements of this title; or

            (vii)    an employer that has not been in business at all times during the current calendar year and the preceding calendar year.

    (e)    “Employer–offered savings arrangement” includes any of the following:

        (1)    an IRA;

        (2)    a defined benefit plan;

        (3)    a 401(k);

        (4)    a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan;

        (5)    a Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) plan; or

        (6)    another arrangement, if in compliance with federal law, that the Board specifies by regulation.

    (f)    “IRA” means an individual retirement account or an individual retirement annuity under 26 U.S.C. § 408(a) or (b).

    (g)    “Maryland Small Business Retirement Savings Program” means a retirement savings program established by the Maryland Small Business Retirement Savings Board under this title.

    (h)    “Participating employee” means an employee that is participating in the Program through a payroll deposit retirement savings arrangement in accordance with regulations adopted by the Board.

    (i)    “Participating employer” means a covered employer that provides a payroll deposit retirement savings arrangement under this title for covered employees.

    (j)    “Payroll deposit retirement savings arrangement” means an arrangement by which a covered employer remits payroll deduction contributions of participating employees to the Program.

    (k)    “Program” means the Maryland Small Business Retirement Savings Program established under this title.

    (l)    “Trust” means the Maryland Small Business Retirement Savings Trust established under this title.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 12-101

What does Maryland Code § 12-101 cover?

Section 12-101 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 12-101?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 12-101" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 12-101 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.