Md. Code, Family Law § 9.5-305 — MD Code / Article gfl / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 3 / Section 9.5-305
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–305.

(a) A child custody determination issued by a court of another state may be registered in this State, with or without a simultaneous request for enforcement, by sending to the appropriate court in this State:

(1) a letter or other document requesting registration;

(2) two copies, including one certified copy, of the determination sought to be registered, and a statement under penalty of perjury that to the best of the knowledge and belief of the person seeking registration the order has not been modified; and

(3) except as otherwise provided in § 9.5-209 of this title, the name and address of the person seeking registration and any parent or person acting as a parent who has been awarded custody or visitation in the child custody determination sought to be registered.

(b) On receipt of the documents required by subsection (a) of this section, the registering court shall:

(1) cause the determination to be filed as a foreign judgment, together with one copy of any accompanying documents and information, regardless of their form; and

(2) serve notice upon the persons named in subsection (a)(3) of this section and provide them with an opportunity to contest the registration in accordance with this section.

(c) The notice required by subsection (b)(2) of this section shall state that:

(1) a registered determination is enforceable as of the date of the registration in the same manner as a determination issued by a court of this State;

(2) any request for a hearing to contest the validity of the registered determination shall be made within 20 days after service of notice; and

(3) failure to contest the registration will result in confirmation of the child custody determination and preclude further contest of that determination with respect to any matter that could have been asserted.

(d) (1) A person seeking to contest the validity of a registered order shall request a hearing within 20 days after service of the notice.

(2) At that hearing, the court shall confirm the registered order unless the person contesting registration establishes that:

(i) the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under Subtitle 2 of this title;

(ii) the child custody determination sought to be registered has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under Subtitle 2 of this title; or

(iii) the person contesting registration was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of § 9.5-107 of this title, in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which registration is sought.

(e) If a timely request for a hearing to contest the validity of the registration is not made, the registration is confirmed as a matter of law and the person requesting registration and all persons served shall be notified of the confirmation.

(f) Confirmation of a registered order, whether by operation of law or after notice and hearing, precludes further contest of the order with respect to any matter that could have been asserted at the time of registration.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-204 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 2 / Section 9.5-204
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–204.

(a) The Governor shall designate the chair of the Council.

(b) The Department shall provide staff for the Council.

(c) A member of the Council:

(1) May not receive compensation as a member of the Council; but

(2) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
Md. Code, Family Law § 9.5-201 — MD Code / Article gfl / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 2 / Section 9.5-201
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–201.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in § 9.5-204 of this subtitle, a court of this State has jurisdiction to make an initial child custody determination only if:

(1) this State is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding, or was the home state of the child within 6 months before the commencement of the proceeding and the child is absent from this State but a parent or person acting as a parent continues to live in this State;

(2) a court of another state does not have jurisdiction under item (1) of this subsection, or a court of the home state of the child has declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that this State is the more appropriate forum under § 9.5-207 or § 9.5-208 of this subtitle, and:

(i) the child and the child’s parents, or the child and at least one parent or a person acting as a parent, have a significant connection with this State other than mere physical presence; and

(ii) substantial evidence is available in this State concerning the child’s care, protection, training, and personal relationships;

(3) all courts having jurisdiction under item (1) or (2) of this subsection have declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that a court of this State is the more appropriate forum to determine the custody of the child under § 9.5-207 or § 9.5-208 of this subtitle; or

(4) no court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in item (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection.

(b) Subsection (a) of this section is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child custody determination by a court of this State.

(c) Physical presence of, or personal jurisdiction over, a party or a child is not necessary or sufficient to make a child custody determination.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-206 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 2 / Section 9.5-206
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–206.

The Council may adopt procedures and bylaws as necessary to ensure the orderly transaction of business.
Md. Code, Family Law § 9.5-306 — MD Code / Article gfl / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 3 / Section 9.5-306
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–306.

(a) A court of this State may grant any relief normally available under the law of this State to enforce a registered child custody determination made by a court of another state.

(b) A court of this State shall recognize and enforce, but may not modify, except in accordance with Subtitle 2 of this title, a registered child custody determination of a court of another state.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-201 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 2 / Section 9.5-201
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–201.

In this subtitle, “Council” means the State Early Childhood Advisory Council.
Md. Code, Family Law § 9.5-109 — MD Code / Article gfl / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 1 / Section 9.5-109
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–109.

(a) In this section, “record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

(b) A court of this State may communicate with a court in another state concerning a proceeding arising under this title.

(c) (1) The court may allow the parties to participate in the communication.

(2) If the parties are not able to participate in the communication, they shall be given the opportunity to present facts and legal arguments before a decision on jurisdiction is made.

(d) (1) Communication between courts on schedules, calendars, court records, and similar matters may occur without informing the parties.

(2) A record need not be made of the communication.

(e) (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section and notwithstanding any other provision of law, a record shall be made of a communication under this section.

(2) The parties shall be informed promptly of the communication and granted access to the record.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-304 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 3 / Section 9.5-304
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–304.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a family child care home or large family child care home may not operate unless it is registered.

(b) A family child care home is not required to be registered if the child care provider:

(1) Is related to each child by blood or marriage;

(2) Is a friend of each child’s parents or legal guardian and the care is provided on an occasional basis; or

(3) Has received the care of the child from a child placement agency licensed by the Department of Human Services or by a local department of social services.

(c) (1) A person may not advertise a family child care home, large family child care home, or family child care service unless the family child care home or large family child care home is registered under the provisions of this subtitle.

(2) An advertisement for a family child care home, large family child care home, or family child care service shall state:

(i) That the family child care home or large family child care home is registered with the Department; and

(ii) The registration number issued to the family child care home or large family child care home by the Department.

(3) An employee of the Department charged with the investigation and enforcement of child care regulations, the State Fire Marshal, a deputy State fire marshal, a special assistant State fire marshal, or a local fire marshal may visit the home of a child care provider, and the employee of the Department may serve a civil citation without any other evidence of unregistered family child care if:

(i) The child care provider advertises a family child care home or large family child care home that is not registered under the provisions of this subtitle;

(ii) The Department sends a warning letter to the child care provider; and

(iii) The child care provider:

1. Does not respond to the Department within 10 business days after the Department sends the warning letter; or

2. Responds to the Department in a manner that does not adequately address the charge in the warning letter.

(4) The State Fire Marshal, a deputy State fire marshal, a special assistant State fire marshal, or a local fire marshal who visits a child care center under paragraph (3) of this subsection may take any action authorized under § 6–316 of the Public Safety Article, the State Fire Prevention Code, or a local fire prevention code.

(d) An employee of the Department charged with the investigation and enforcement of child care regulations may serve a civil citation to a person found in violation of this section.
Md. Code, Family Law § 9.5-314 — MD Code / Article gfl / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 3 / Section 9.5-314
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–314.

(a) An appeal may be taken from a final order in a proceeding under this subtitle in accordance with expedited appellate procedures in other civil cases.

(b) Unless the court enters a temporary emergency order under § 9.5-204 of this title, the enforcing court may not stay an order enforcing a child custody determination pending appeal.
Md. Code, Family Law § 9.5-318 — MD Code / Article gfl / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 3 / Section 9.5-318
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–318.

This title may be cited as the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-113.1 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 1 / Section 9.5-113.1
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–113.1.

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) “Fund” means the Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund.

(3) “Rural community” has the meaning stated in § 2–207 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

(b) There is a Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund.

(c) The purpose of the Fund is to provide no–interest loans for capital expenses to child care providers who participate in the Child Care Scholarship Program under § 9.5–113 of this subtitle.

(d) The Department of Commerce shall administer the Fund with support from the Department.

(e) (1) The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article that shall be available in perpetuity for the purpose of providing loans in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(2) The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.

(f) The Fund consists of:

(1) Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;

(2) Any interest earnings of the Fund;

(3) Repayments of principal and interest from loans made from the Fund; and

(4) Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.

(g) (1) The Fund may be used only to provide no–interest loans to child care providers for capital expenses related to a child care facility, including:

(i) Acquisition;

(ii) Expansion;

(iii) Renovations; and

(iv) New construction.

(2) (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, child care providers shall repay loans from the Fund not later than 5 years after receiving a loan from the Fund.

(ii) The Department of Commerce may establish a financial hardship exemption to allow a child care provider additional time to repay a loan from the Fund.

(iii) If a hardship exemption is not granted, the Department of Commerce shall apply its normal policy regarding assisting child care providers with past due loan payments.

(h) (1) The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.

(2) Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.

(i) (1) The Department of Commerce, in consultation with the Department, shall establish application procedures and eligibility criteria for loans from the Fund, in addition to the requirement that a child care provider be a participant in the Child Care Scholarship Program under § 9.5–113 of this subtitle.

(2) The Department shall prioritize applicant criteria in the following order when providing funding from the Fund:

(i) Child care providers that are located in:

1. Underserved communities; or

2. Areas designated by the Department as areas lacking child care slots;

(ii) Child care providers that are located in rural communities;

(iii) Child care providers that serve primarily low–income populations in areas of high poverty;

(iv) Child care providers that serve children with special needs; and

(v) Child care providers that serve children ages 2 and younger.

(j) The Department of Commerce shall work with the Department to publicize the availability of loans from the Fund and provide support to child care providers in applying for loans from the Fund.

(k) (1) For fiscal year 2023, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to the Fund of $15,000,000.

(2) For fiscal year 2024, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to the Fund of $10,000,000.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-407 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 4 / Section 9.5-407
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–407.

The Department shall issue a license to any applicant who meets the requirements of this subtitle and of the rules and regulations adopted under it.
Md. Code, Agriculture § 9.5-301.1 — MD Code / Article gag / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 3 / Section 9.5-301.1
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–301.1.

(a) The regulations adopted under § 9.5–301 of this subtitle shall classify as prohibited invasive plants all terrestrial plants classified by regulation before January 1, 2024, as a tier 1 invasive plant.

(b) Each terrestrial plant classified by regulation before January 1, 2024, as a tier 2 invasive plant shall be assessed in accordance with § 9.5–301 of this subtitle by December 31, 2025, and shall be:

(1) If the results of the assessment determine the plant is an invasive plant, classified as a prohibited invasive plant under the regulations adopted under § 9.5–301 of this subtitle; or

(2) If the results of the assessment determine the plant is not an invasive plant, placed on the Watch List.

(c) In addition to the prohibited invasive plants set forth in subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may classify, by regulation, a plant species as a prohibited invasive plant in accordance with § 9.5–301 of this subtitle.

(d) The Secretary shall include on the Consolidated List of Maryland Invasive Plant Species an invasive plant classified as a prohibited invasive plant in accordance with § 9.5–301 of this subtitle and this section.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-802 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 8 / Section 9.5-802
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–802.

There is an Office of Child Care Advisory Council.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-415 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 4 / Section 9.5-415
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–415.

Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the State Superintendent in a contested case, as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act, may take any further appeal allowed by the Administrative Procedure Act.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-108 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 1 / Section 9.5-108
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–108.

A person aggrieved by a decision of the Department concerning a license or registration may appeal the decision to the administrative appellate authority designated by regulation.
Md. Code, State Government § 9.5-310 — MD Code / Article gsg / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 3 / Section 9.5-310
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–310.

Before formal recognition of Maryland Indian status, members of the petitioning group shall submit an affidavit renouncing all tribal rights of ownership of land in the State.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-801 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 8 / Section 9.5-801
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–801.

In this subtitle, “Council” means the Office of Child Care Advisory Council.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-504 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 5 / Section 9.5-504
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–504.

(a) In this section, “pilot program” means the child care centers established in State–occupied buildings or State complexes under this section.

(b) There is a pilot program for child care in State–occupied buildings and State complexes.

(c) The Department shall administer the pilot program established under this section.

(d) The pilot program shall be:

(1) Operated in at least 1 State–occupied building or State complex where 700 or more State employees are located;

(2) Established to accommodate at least 29 children at each location; and

(3) Established for at least 3 years.

(e) (1) The Department shall contract with child care providers to operate the child care centers established under this section.

(2) The contract for operating a child care center shall require the child care provider:

(i) To be responsible for entering into agreements, and making arrangements with the employees, for the provision of child care;

(ii) To provide proof of financial responsibility;

(iii) To be licensed under this subtitle and Subtitle 4 of this title;

(iv) To comply with any laws or regulations governing child care centers;

(v) To obtain and keep in effect liability insurance in an amount determined to be sufficient by the State Superintendent; and

(vi) To comply with any other requirement the State Superintendent considers reasonable and necessary.

(3) The child care provider may not be held responsible for providing the necessary space for the operation of the child care center.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-313 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 3 / Section 9.5-313
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–313.

This subtitle may not be construed to impair or limit the authority granted to the Department of Human Services, the Department, or the Maryland Department of Health under any other provision of the Code unless that provision necessarily is inconsistent with this subtitle.
Md. Code, Business Occupations and Professions § 9.5-101 — MD Code / Article gbo / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 1 / Section 9.5-101
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–101.

(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) “Certificate of Competence” means certification obtained by a person through any organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), or the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) that states the holder of the certificate demonstrates knowledge of and training in safe crane operating procedures.

(c) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Labor and Industry in the Division of Labor and Industry in the Department.

(d) (1) “Crane” means a machine for lifting, lowering, and horizontally moving a load, that has a hoisting mechanism that is an integral part of the machine.

(2) “Crane” includes tower cranes.

(3) “Crane” does not include:

(i) aircraft;

(ii) a bucket truck;

(iii) a digger derrick truck;

(iv) a fork lift;

(v) a knuckle boom;

(vi) a trolley boom;

(vii) a hydraulic crane;

(viii) a power–operated derrick; or

(ix) a public utility company line truck used by a public utility company in the construction or maintenance of its transmission and distribution lines.

(e) “Crane operator” means a person who operates a crane.

(f) (1) “Operate a crane” means to use mechanisms inside a crane to guide the machine in:

(i) the lifting, moving, positioning, and placing of large and heavy objects, earth, or other materials; or

(ii) the driving of large objects or materials into the ground.

(2) “Operate a crane” includes:

(i) the inspection of a crane;

(ii) assisting in the erection, adding to, or dismantling of a crane; and

(iii) the performance of routine maintenance on a crane.

(3) “Operate a crane” does not include the movement of a crane on a State highway from one location to another location.
Md. Code, State Government § 9.5-303 — MD Code / Article gsg / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 3 / Section 9.5-303
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–303.

(a) (1) The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(2) Of the nine Commission members:

(i) a majority shall be members of the Indian communities of the State; and

(ii) at least three shall be members of the Indian communities that are indigenous to the State.

(b) Each member shall:

(1) have a demonstrable knowledge of Indian culture and history; and

(2) be sensitive to the problems of Indian communities.

(c) (1) An applicant for membership on the Commission shall submit under oath a list of the applicant’s qualifications, including:

(i) educational history; and

(ii) employment background or other relevant experience.

(2) An applicant for membership on the Commission as an Indian member shall submit documentation or proof of Indian status under the sworn and notarized signature of the custodian of records of the membership rolls of that Indian’s community.

(3) The Governor may require the production of any other documents to prove:

(i) the qualifications of the applicant; or

(ii) the standing or history of the Indian community to which the applicant claims membership.

(d) (1) The term of a member is 3 years.

(2) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(3) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(4) A member may not serve more than 6 years consecutively.
Md. Code, Business Occupations and Professions § 9.5-103 — MD Code / Article gbo / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 1 / Section 9.5-103
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–103.

(a) A crane operator who holds a Certificate of Competence shall:

(1) carry the Certificate of Competence while operating a crane in the State; and

(2) make the Certificate of Competence available for inspection on request by the Commissioner, an agent of the Commissioner, or by a law enforcement officer.

(b) The failure of a crane operator to make the Certificate of Competence available for inspection on request as required under paragraph (a)(2) of this subsection shall be presumptive evidence that the crane operator does not hold a Certificate of Competence.
Md. Code, Family Law § 9.5-315 — MD Code / Article gfl / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 3 / Section 9.5-315
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–315.

(a) In a case arising under this title or involving the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the Attorney General may take any lawful action, including resort to a proceeding under this subtitle or any other available civil proceeding to locate a child, obtain the return of a child, or enforce a child custody determination if there is:

(1) an existing child custody determination;

(2) a request to do so from a court in a pending child custody proceeding;

(3) a reasonable belief that a criminal statute has been violated; or

(4) a reasonable belief that the child has been wrongfully removed or retained in violation of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

(b) The Attorney General acting under this section on behalf of the court may not represent any party.
Md. Code, Agriculture § 9.5-202 — MD Code / Article gag / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 2 / Section 9.5-202
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–202.

(a) The Committee consists of the following members:

(1) As ex officio members:

(i) The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;

(ii) The Secretary of Natural Resources, or the Secretary’s designee;

(iii) The Secretary of Transportation, or the Secretary’s designee;

(iv) The Secretary of the Environment, or the Secretary’s designee; and

(v) The Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland, College Park Campus, or the Dean’s designee; and

(2) Appointed by the Secretary:

(i) In consultation with the Secretary of Natural Resources:

1. One individual from a landscaping industry that is regulated by the Department;

2. One individual from a plant wholesale industry or a plant retail industry that is regulated by the Department; and

3. One individual from a nongovernmental environmental advocacy organization;

(ii) Two individuals with experience with invasive plants, agriculture, horticulture, gardening, conservation, or other relevant experience; and

(iii) One consumer member.

(b) (1) The term of an appointed member is 3 years and begins on January 1.

(2) An appointed member may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

(c) An appointed member shall serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
Md. Code, Agriculture § 9.5-203 — MD Code / Article gag / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 2 / Section 9.5-203
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–203.

From among its members the Committee shall elect annually a chair, a vice chair, and a secretary.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-604 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 6 / Section 9.5-604
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–604.

(a) The grant funds shall consist of:

(1) Money specifically appropriated for the Child Care Quality Incentive Grant Program; and

(2) Any other money made available to the Child Care Quality Incentive Grant Program.

(b) The Child Care Quality Incentive Grant Program shall be used to:

(1) Pay all expenses and disbursements authorized by the Department for administering the Child Care Quality Incentive Grant Program; and

(2) Award direct incentive grants to child care providers.

(c) To be eligible to receive grants under this subtitle, a child care provider must:

(1) Possess a certificate of registration or license that is current and not subject to any pending regulatory action, including revocation and suspension; and

(2) Not be in arrears in the payment of any money owed to the State, including the payment of taxes and employee benefits.

(d) Grants made under this subtitle shall be limited to:

(1) Child care centers located in Title I communities;

(2) Child care centers where at least 25% of the children enrolled receive subsidies through the purchase of child care program; and

(3) Family child care homes and large family child care homes that serve children who receive child care subsidies through the purchase of child care program.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-402 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 4 / Section 9.5-402
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–402.

(a) (1) The General Assembly finds that:

(i) A child is not capable of self–protection; and

(ii) If care of a child is given over to another, mental and physical risks arise that need to be offset by reasonable protective measures.

(2) The General Assembly also finds that:

(i) There is a shortage of child care placements for children under the age of 2 years; and

(ii) The rules and regulations adopted under this subtitle should provide for small child care centers that provide care in a homelike environment.

(b) The purpose of this subtitle is not to limit a parent in getting the help of responsible relatives or friends in giving child care for a child, but is to aid each parent and protect each child from the risk present if:

(1) The child is cared for by an individual other than a relative or friend; and

(2) Children of more than one family are cared for together or, on different days, use the same facilities.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-308 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 3 / Section 9.5-308
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–308.

(a) The Department shall prepare and, as needed, update an informational pamphlet for parents of children in family child care.

(b) The pamphlet shall contain:

(1) An outline of family child care regulations;

(2) A description of parental rights and responsibilities;

(3) A description of complaint procedures; and

(4) The address and telephone number of the local department.

(c) The Department shall make the pamphlet available to child care providers for distribution to parents.
Md. Code, Education § 9.5-316 — MD Code / Article ged / Title 9.5 / Subtitle 3 / Section 9.5-316
§9.
Status: in_force

§9.5–316.

(a) The funds shall consist of:

(1) Money specifically appropriated for the Direct Grant Fund; or

(2) Any other money made available to the Direct Grant Fund.

(b) The Direct Grant Fund shall be used to:

(1) Pay all expenses and disbursements authorized by the Department for administering the Direct Grant Fund; and

(2) Make grants to family child care providers.

(c) In making grants under this subtitle, consideration shall be given to:

(1) Geographic distribution;

(2) Community need; and

(3) Family income, with priority given to those families with the lowest income.

(d) The amount of State general funds expended for grants to family child care providers from the Direct Grant Fund may not exceed $50,000 in each year.