Maryland § 12-305
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 12-305, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-305.
(a) Except as provided in the governing instrument of a statutory trust, a beneficial owner, a holder of a voting trust certificate in the statutory trust, or a beneficial owner’s agent may inspect and copy during usual business hours any of the following statutory trust documents:
(1) The governing instrument and all amendments;
(2) Minutes of the proceedings of the beneficial owners;
(3) An annual statement of affairs; and
(4) Voting trust agreements on file at the statutory trust’s principal office.
(b) (1) Except as provided in the governing instrument of a statutory trust, a beneficial owner, who for at least 6 months has been the beneficial owner of record of outstanding beneficial interests of any series or class of beneficial interests of the statutory trust entitled to cast at least 5% of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of trustees, may present to any officer of the statutory trust a written request for a list of the beneficial owners of record of that series or class as disclosed by the records of the statutory trust relating to the issuance and transfer of beneficial interests.
(2) Except as provided in the governing instrument of a statutory trust, within 20 days after a request for information is made under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the statutory trust shall prepare and have available on file at its principal office a list that:
(i) Is verified under oath by one of its officers or its transfer agent or registrar; and
(ii) Sets forth the name and address of each beneficial owner of record of the series or class and the number of shares of the series or class held by the beneficial owner.
(c) Except as provided in the governing instrument of a statutory trust, each trustee shall have the right to examine all documents and information regarding the statutory trust for any purpose reasonably related to the performance of the trustee’s duties as a trustee.
(d) Except as provided in its governing instrument a statutory trust shall have the right to keep confidential from the beneficial owners, for such period of time as the trustees deem reasonable, any information that:
(1) The trustees reasonably believe to be in the nature of trade secrets or other information, the disclosure of which the trustees in good faith believe is not in the best interest of the statutory trust or could damage the statutory trust or its business; or
(2) The statutory trust is required by law or by agreement with a third party to keep confidential.
(e) A statutory trust may maintain its records in other than a written form if such form is capable of conversion into a written form within a reasonable time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 12-305
What does Maryland Code § 12-305 cover?
Section 12-305 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 § 12-305?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 12-305" (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 § 12-305 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.