(a) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, if a State law or regulation requires a county or municipality to adopt legislation or a regulation at least as strict or effective as the applicable State law or regulation, the county or municipality may adopt the State law or regulation by reference.

(b) If a county or municipality adopts a State law or regulation by reference, the county or municipality shall specify:

(1) whether it also adopts by reference any amendments to the State law or regulation effective after the local adoption of the State law or regulation by reference; and

(2) any exceptions to the State law or regulation if the State law or regulation authorizes local options.

(c) The authorization under subsection (a) of this section:

(1) does not affect any requirement that a county or municipality form and maintain a local program, plan, or standard, including implementation and enforcement processes, required under any State law or any regulation adopted under the authority of that law; and

(2) if a State law or regulation adopted under the authority of that law authorizes local options, does not grant more authority than is granted by that law or regulation.