Maryland § 6-702

§ 6-702.

    (a)    (1)    There is an Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes Unit of the Office of the Attorney General.

        (2)    The function of the Unit is to:

            (i)    investigate and prosecute cases against persons that violate State criminal environmental and natural resources laws; and

            (ii)    investigate and prosecute any other criminal offense discovered in the course of an investigation under this subtitle.

        (3)    In conducting an investigation and prosecuting cases under this subtitle, the Unit may act with the full powers, rights, privileges, and duties of a State’s Attorney, including the use of a grand jury in any county.

    (b)    (1)    The Unit shall include:

            (i)    a full–time Chief Counsel of Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes; and

            (ii)    staff, including assistant attorneys general, investigators, and administrators, as provided in the State budget.

        (2)    Salaries of the Chief Counsel and staff, and expenses for rent, travel, equipment, supplies, and general operating expenses necessary for the work of the Unit shall be as provided in the State budget.

        (3)    In cooperation with the Secretary of Budget and Management, the Attorney General shall set minimum salaries, qualifications, and standards of training and experience for positions within the Unit.

    (c)    The Unit shall investigate and prosecute the State’s criminal environmental and natural resource laws.

    (d)    On or before November 30 each year, the Attorney General shall report to the Governor, and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of this article, the General Assembly on all the activities of the Unit and any actions taken by the Department of the Environment or the Department of Natural Resources in response to findings and recommendations of the Unit.