§ 10-1-112. WORTHLESS CHECKS.

(a)

Application of the section. This section applies to a check or written instrument used in the payment of any tax, charge, fee, assessment, or impost of any kind levied or imposed under any law, ordinance, rule, or regulation.

(b)

Exception. This section does not apply to a check that is not honored due to the fault or neglect of the county.

(c)

Authority to impose a charge. Subject to the provisions of § 15-801 et seq. of the Commercial Law Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the county shall impose a charge of $25 against any person presenting a check or similar written instrument to the county, the Director of Budget and Finance, or any agent or employee of the county or the Director if the financial institution upon which it is drawn:

(1)

Does not pay the check or written instrument in full and indicates "no funds" or "account closed"; or

(2)

Dishonors the check or written instrument regardless of reason, when it is presented a second time for payment.

(d)

Collection.

(1)

The Director of Budget and Finance shall collect the charge imposed under this section.

(2)

In the same manner and to the same extent as the tax, charge, fee, assessment, or impost in connection with which the worthless instrument was presented in payment is collected, the charge shall be:

(i)

A lien on the property involved in any appropriate case;

(ii)

Entered in the records of the Office of Budget and Finance; and

(iii)

Where appropriate, recorded as a lien on the county tax records.

(1988 Code, § 15-13) (Bill No. 87, 1990, §§ 2, 3, 8-13-1990; Bill No. 49-96, § 7, 7-1-1996; Bill No. 83-00, § 2, 7-1-2004)