ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                             Ch. 476

Force to receive reimbursement for certain expenses; requiring a certain report
by a certain date; providing for the termination of the Task Force; and generally
relating to the Task Force to Study Pinhole Leaks in Copper Plumbing.

WHEREAS, More than 80% of domestic and commercial water pipes are made
of copper; and

WHEREAS, Pinhole leaks in copper water pipes can cause extensive, costly
damage to the buildings in which the pipes are located; and

WHEREAS, The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission has received five
thousand more than 4,600 complaints from citizens in Montgomery and Prince
George's counties about pinhole leaks in copper water pipes; and

WHEREAS, The incidence of pinhole leaks is unusually high in certain
communities higher in some areas than in other areas; and

WHEREAS, Claims for damages caused by pinhole leaks can contribute to
increased premiums or cancellation of homeowners' insurance policies; now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That:

(a)     There is a Task Force to Study Pinhole Leaks in Copper Plumbing.

(b)     (1) The Task Force consists of the following members:

(1) (i) the Chairman of the Washington Suburban Sanitary
Commission, or the Chairman's designee;

(2) (ii) the Secretary of Housing and Community Development, or the
Secretary's designee;

(3)     (iii) the Secretary of the Environment, or the Secretary's designee;

(4)     (iv) the Commissioner of the Maryland Insurance Administration,
or the Commissioner's designee;

(5) (v) two representatives designated by the Maryland Association of
Counties;

(6) (vi) one faculty member from the University System of Maryland
with expertise in the engineering and design of plumbing and piping, designated by
the Chancellor; and

(7) (vii) the following members appointed by the Governor:

(i) 1. one representative of the copper plumbing industry
master plumber who is a resident of Maryland, is licensed by the State Board of
Plumbing, and has expertise in the installation and replacement of copper plumbing;

(ii) 2. one person with expertise in copper corrosion; and

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