reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 3 - Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs › Section 9-306 - Annual Report

(a)    On or before the 15th day of each regular session of the General Assembly, the Special Secretary shall send an annual report on the Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs:
(1)    to the Governor; and
(2)    subject to § 2–1257 of this article, to the General Assembly.
(b)    The annual report may be prepared in conjunction with the report required under § 14–305(b) of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 5 - State House Trust › Section 9-503 - Membership

(a)    (1)    The Trust consists of the following 4 ex officio members:
(i)    the Governor;
(ii)    the President of the Senate;
(iii)    the Speaker of the House of Delegates; and
(iv)    from the Maryland Historical Trust, the Chairman or the Chairman’s designee, who may be another trustee, the Director, or the State Historic Preservation Officer.
(2)    The Trust may include not more than 3 associate members appointed by the members.
(b)    (1)    Each associate member must have experience and interest in historic preservation.
(2)    An associate member may not vote.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 5 - State House Trust › Section 9-505 - General Duties

(a)    In addition to any duties set forth elsewhere, the Trust shall:
(1)    be responsible for the restoration and preservation of the State House;
(2)    be responsible for the landscaping and construction of Lawyer’s Mall; and
(3)    disapprove or approve and supervise:
(i)    any proposed repair, improvement, or other change to the State House or to any other building within State Circle, including any change to the furnishings or fixtures of those buildings;
(ii)    any proposed landscaping of the grounds of those buildings; and
(iii)    any proposed improvement, nonemergency repair, or other change to Lawyer’s Mall.
(b)    The Trust is not required under subsection (a)(2) or (3)(iii) of this section to be responsible for, or disapprove or approve and supervise, the coordination, security, and scheduling of rallies and other events held on Lawyer’s Mall.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 5 - State House Trust › Section 9-506 - Consultant

(a)    The Trust shall retain an architect as a consultant.
(b)    The consultant must:
(1)    be registered by the State Board of Architects;
(2)    be familiar with all phases of 18th century architecture; and
(3)    have the professional experience that is needed to restore the State House in a way that befits its majestic history and its current role as the Capitol.
(c)    The consultant is entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.
(d)    The consultant shall:
(1)    prepare measured drawings of the State House;
(2)    publish the drawings and a descriptive text;
(3)    send copies of the drawings to the National Trust for Historic Preservation; and
(4)    subject to § 2-1257 of this article, submit to the General Assembly a report on the drawings.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 6 - Government House Trust › Section 9-603 - Composition

(a)    The Trust shall consist of the following voting members:
(1)    the Governor;
(2)    the President of the Senate;
(3)    the Speaker of the House of Delegates;
(4)    the Secretary of General Services; and
(5)    the Director of the Maryland Historical Trust.
(b)    The Trust shall consist of the following advisor nonvoting members:
(1)    the Director of the Baltimore Museum of Art;
(2)    the Director of the Maryland Historical Society;
(3)    the Director of the St. Mary’s City Commission;
(4)    the Director of the Talbot County Historical Society;
(5)    the Director of the Walters Museum of Art;
(6)    the Director of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts;
(7)    the Chairman of the History Department of the University of Maryland, College Park Campus;
(8)    the Horticulturist from the Paca House and Gardens;
(9)    the State Archivist; and
(10)    up to three members of the general public appointed by the Governor.
(c)    A voting or nonvoting member may designate another individual to represent the member at the Trust.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 6 - Government House Trust › Section 9-605 - Meetings; Compensation; Bylaws; Committees

(a)    The Trust shall meet at least twice a year or as necessary as determined by the Trust.
(b)    A voting and nonvoting member of the Trust:
(1)    may not receive compensation; but
(2)    is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
(c)    The Trust may:
(1)    adopt bylaws for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business; and
(2)    appoint committees to carry out the purposes of the Trust.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 6 - Government House Trust › Section 9-606 - General Powers and Duties; Inventory

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    (i)    “Furnishings” means personal property and fixtures.
(ii)    “Furnishings” includes furniture, art objects, and accessories.
(3)    “State room” means any of the following rooms of the Government House:
(i)    the center hall;
(ii)    the conservatory;
(iii)    the private reception room;
(iv)    the State dining room;
(v)    the State drawing room;
(vi)    the State parlour; and
(vii)    the State reception room.
(b)    In addition to any duties set forth elsewhere, the Trust shall:
(1)    be responsible for the renovation of the State rooms, including their design and furnishings;
(2)    supervise and direct any improvement or other change in the internal design or furnishings of a State room;
(3)    be responsible for any proposed landscaping of the grounds of the Government House;
(4)    be responsible for the conservation and restoration of objects in a State room; and
(5)    be responsible for and carry out the maintenance of the State rooms.
(c)    The Department of General Services shall maintain an inventory of furnishings in the Government House.
(d)    In addition to any powers set forth elsewhere, the Trust, on behalf of the State, may:
(1)    accept and receive a gift or loan of property for use in a State room; and
(2)    accept and receive a gift of money for maintenance and restoration of a State room.
(e)    Unless the Trust approves, the internal design and furnishings of a State room may not be changed.
(f)    Before the renovation, furnishing, and decoration of a State room, the Trust shall consult with and obtain the input of the Board of Trustees and the Council of the Maryland Historical Society.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 8 - Financial Education and Capability Commission › Section 9-804 - Duties

(a)    The Commission shall:
(1)    monitor the implementation of public and private initiatives to improve the financial education and capability of residents of the State;
(2)    make recommendations on the coordination of financial education and capability efforts across State agencies; and
(3)    encourage financial education events and activities to highlight April as Financial Education Month.
(b)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, on or before December 1 each year, the Commission shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of this article, the General Assembly on its recommendations and the status of efforts undertaken by State agencies or in partnership with State agencies to improve the financial education and capability of residents of the State.
(2)    Every 3 years, the report of the Commission required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include a comprehensive discussion of statewide efforts to improve the financial education and capability of residents of the State, including initiatives funded by the State or a local government and those undertaken in the private sector by nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, and other persons.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-901 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Board” means the Board of Trustees of the Maryland Veterans Trust.
(c)    “Department” means the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(d)    “Secretary” means the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
(e)    “Trust” means the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund.
(f)    Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, “veteran” means an individual who served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, other than for training, and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-902 - Department of Veterans Affairs

(a)    There is a Department of Veterans Affairs, established as a principal department of the State government.
(b)    The head of the Department is the Secretary of Veterans Affairs who shall be:
(1)    a veteran who has an honorable discharge from active service with a uniformed service of the United States; and
(2)    appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(c)    (1)    The Secretary serves at the pleasure of the Governor and is responsible directly to the Governor. The Secretary shall advise the Governor on all matters assigned to the Department and is responsible for carrying out the Governor’s policies on these matters.
(2)    The Secretary is responsible for the operation of the Department and shall establish guidelines and procedures to promote the orderly and efficient operation of the Department.
(3)    Subject to the provisions of this subtitle, the Secretary may establish, reorganize, or consolidate areas of responsibility in the Department as necessary to fulfill the duties assigned by the Secretary.
(4)    The Secretary shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.
(d)    The Secretary is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-904 - Veterans' Service Centers

(a)    (1)    The Department may:
(i)    establish service centers that the Department considers necessary or advisable to facilitate and expedite the servicing of claims of veterans and dependents; and
(ii)    close any service center that the Department no longer considers necessary.
(2)    The Department shall try to locate each service center centrally in the area to be served so that the greatest number of veterans:
(i)    have access with the least possible delay, travel, and inconvenience; and
(ii)    receive, as far as possible, personal attention.
(b)    There shall be a Director of Veterans Service Centers responsible for the supervision of veterans service centers, whose duties shall include maintaining contact with the appropriate governmental unit regarding the status of each claim of a veteran or eligible dependent of a veteran.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-905 - Claims

The Department shall:
(1)    help veterans and their dependents to receive promptly and regularly all of the benefits to which veterans or dependents are entitled under federal law;
(2)    help veterans and their dependents in:
(i)    preparing, in proper form, claims for benefits;
(ii)    presenting the claims to the appropriate governmental unit;
(iii)    trying to prevent and to relieve congestion in the processing of the claims; and
(iv)    obtaining and expediting action on the claims; and
(3)    on request, provide a veteran with a document certifying veteran status.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-905.1 - Veterans Benefits and Benefits Appeals Services -- Disclosure Requirements -- Penalties for Violations

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Advertisement” means:
(i)    a written or printed communication made for the purpose of soliciting business for veterans benefits appeals services;
(ii)    a directory listing for a person that is offering veterans benefits appeals services; or
(iii)    a radio, television, computer network or airwave, or electronic transmission that solicits business for or promotes a person offering veterans benefits appeals services.
(3)    “Veterans benefits appeals services” means any services that a veteran might reasonably require in order to appeal a denial of federal, state, or local veterans benefits, including denials of disability, limited income, home loan, insurance, education and training, health care, burial and memorial, and dependent and survivor benefits.
(4)    “Veterans benefits services” means any services a veteran or a family member of a veteran might reasonably use in order to obtain federal, state, or local veterans benefits.
(b)    (1)    Before entering into an agreement with an individual for the provision of veterans benefits services or veterans benefits appeals services, a person who charges a fee for those services shall:
(i)    provide a written disclosure statement to each individual; and
(ii)    obtain the individual’s signature on the written disclosure statement acknowledging that the individual understands the disclosure statement.
(2)    The written disclosure statement shall:
(i)    be on a form approved by the Secretary; and
(ii)    state that veterans benefits services and veterans benefits appeals services are offered at no cost by the Department and other veterans services organizations accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
(c)    A person who charges a fee for providing veterans benefits appeals services shall provide in any advertisement for appeals services notice that appeals services are also offered at no cost by the Department and other veterans services organizations accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
(d)    (1)    A person who violates the provisions of this section is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation.
(2)    Civil penalties shall be in an amount ordered by the District Court in an action brought by the Attorney General.
(3)    Each day a violation continues is a separate violation.
(4)    Any civil penalty collected shall be deposited in the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-908 - Veterans' Memorials and Monuments Program

(a)    In this section, “veterans’ memorials and monuments” means:
(1)    the Maryland Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Associated Land as established pursuant to Joint Resolution No. 22 of 1983;
(2)    the Maryland Korean War Memorial and Associated Land as established pursuant to Joint Resolution No. 3 of 1985; and
(3)    the Maryland World War II Memorial and Associated Land.
(b)    There is a Veterans’ Memorials and Monuments Program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(c)    The purpose of the Program is to provide for the operation, maintenance, security, and preservation of veterans’ memorials and monuments.
(d)    In furtherance of these purposes, the Department may, as provided for in the budget:
(1)    lease land on behalf of the State or a political subdivision of the State; or
(2)    acquire land that has been improved by construction of a memorial or monument.
(e)    The Secretary may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.
(f)    (1)    The Department shall, as provided for in the budget, provide for the management of the veterans’ memorials and monuments as provided in this section.
(2)    The Department may delegate any of its powers and duties under this section to a special commission or board created by the Department and approved by the Governor.
(g)    The Department may acquire, hold, use, and improve property for the purposes specified in subsection (c) of this section.
(h)    Subject to Title 7 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, the Department may:
(1)    accept gifts or grants;
(2)    unless otherwise provided, spend the principal and income of a gift or grant; and
(3)    invest all or part of the principal income in general obligations of the State or any other security.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-910 - Management of Home

(a)    The Department shall:
(1)    maintain and supervise generally the home in accordance with this subtitle; and
(2)    adopt any regulation that is needed for management of the home, including regulations for admission, maintenance, and discharge of its residents.
(b)    (1)    The Department may appoint a Director for the home and employ any other staff that is needed to manage the home properly.
(2)    In appointing or employing staff, the Department shall give preference to a veteran who has an honorable discharge from the armed forces.
(3)    The Director shall:
(i)    serve at the pleasure of the Secretary; and
(ii)    perform any duty that the Department requires.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-911 - Residence in Home

(a)    In accordance with the regulations of the Department and applicable law, the home shall be open:
(1)    to a veteran who:
(i)    has an honorable discharge from active service with a uniformed service of the United States; and
(ii)    is a resident of the State as defined in regulations adopted by the Secretary; or
(2)    to a spouse of an eligible veteran.
(b)    (1)    The Department may charge an individual a reasonable fee for residence in the home.
(2)    The Department shall set the fee in accordance with the ability of an individual to pay. However, the fee may not exceed the cost of maintaining the resident in the home and shall allow the resident enough money for necessary and incidental expenses.
(c)    A resident may be discharged in accordance with the regulations of the Department and applicable law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-912 - Property

(a)    To carry out the responsibilities and goals of the Department, the Department may acquire, hold, use, improve, and convey property.
(b)    (1)    In addition to any other power under this section, the Department may lease any part of the home property for use as a concession or other commercial purpose that is consistent with the purposes of the Department. However, the Department may not lease its property merely for investment purposes.
(2)    Notwithstanding any other law, unless the lease expressly provides for redemption by the tenant, the lease is not subject to redemption.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-912.1 - Charlotte Hall Veterans Homes -- Gifts and Grants

(a)    Subject to Title 7 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, to carry out the purposes or goals of the Department, the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home may:
(1)    accept a gift or grant for use at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home; and
(2)    unless the terms of a gift or grant require otherwise, and subject to the approval of the Secretary, spend the principal and income of the gift or grant for use at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.
(b)    Gifts and grants that the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home accepts under subsection (a) of this section for use at the Home:
(1)    shall be administered by the Director of the Veterans Home Program; and
(2)    are not subject to reversion under § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(c)    (1)    On or before July 31 of each year, the Director of the Veterans Home Program shall submit a report to the Secretary on the status of the gifts and grants accepted for use at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.
(2)    On or before August 31 of each year, the Secretary shall submit a report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of this article, on the status of the gifts and grants accepted for use at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.
(3)    The reports required under this subsection shall include the following information on the gifts and grants accepted for use at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home during the previous fiscal year:
(i)    the gross amount of the gifts and grants;
(ii)    the costs of administration of the gifts and grants; and
(iii)    a detailed accounting of the use of the gifts and grants.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-912.2 - Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Fund

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Bed lease payments” means a daily rate paid by the contractor that operates the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home to the State in lease payments based on the total number of beds, regardless of whether all of the beds are filled.
(3)    “Fund” means the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Fund.
(b)    There is a Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Fund.
(c)    The purpose of the Fund is to maintain the operation of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.
(d)    The Secretary shall administer the Fund.
(e)    (1)    (i)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(ii)    Except as provided in subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, any unspent portions of the Fund may not be transferred to or revert to the General Fund of the State.
(iii)    If, after deducting all expenses authorized under subsection (g) of this section, the remaining balance of the revenue to the Department from bed lease payments at the end of a fiscal year is greater than 10% of the total budget of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home for that fiscal year, the amount of the remaining balance that is in excess of 10% of the total budget shall revert to the General Fund of the State.
(2)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(f)    The Fund consists of bed lease payments.
(g)    The Fund may be used only for:
(1)    the salaries and benefits of the departmental staff of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home;
(2)    improvements to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home; and
(3)    any other operating expenses of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.
(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 General Fund of the State.
(i)    Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.
(j)    Money expended from the Fund for the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home is supplemental to, and is not intended to take the place of, funding that otherwise would be appropriated for the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.
(k)    The Office of Legislative Audits shall audit the accounts and transactions of the Fund as provided in § 2–1220 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-913 - Maryland Veterans Trust Fund

(a)    In this section, “Fund” means the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund.
(b)    (1)    There is a Maryland Veterans Trust established for the purpose of providing monetary and other assistance to:
(i)    veterans and their families; and
(ii)    public and private programs that support veterans and their families.
(2)    There is a Maryland Veterans Trust Fund.
(c)    The Trust shall be a body corporate and shall have perpetual existence, subject to modification or termination by the General Assembly if necessary to effectuate its purpose or if its substantial purpose ceases to exist.
(d)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    gifts and grants that the Trust receives under § 9–914.2(a)(1) of this subtitle; and
(2)    contributions to the Fund from:
(i)    the sale of tickets from instant ticket lottery machines under § 9–112(d) of this title;
(ii)    the donations from video lottery facility players under § 9–1A–04(d)(19) of this title;
(iii)    the designated fees from special registration plates for recipients of an individually earned, combat–related armed forces medal under § 13–619.1 of the Transportation Article; and
(iv)    civil penalties collected in accordance with § 9–905.1 of this subtitle.
(e)    Money in the Fund may only be used to:
(1)    make grants and loans under § 9–914.2(a)(3) of this subtitle;
(2)    be invested under § 9–914.3(b) of this subtitle; and
(3)    pay the costs of administering the Fund through distribution to an administrative cost account in the Department.
(f)    Money expended from the Fund is not intended to take the place of funding that would otherwise be appropriated to the Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-914 - Board of Trustees of Trust

(a)    The powers and duties of the Trust shall rest in and be exercised by a Board of Trustees.
(b)    The Board of Trustees shall consist of the following 11 members:
(1)    the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, ex officio, or the Secretary’s designee, who shall serve as the chair;
(2)    the Secretary of Aging, ex officio, or the Secretary’s designee;
(3)    the Secretary of Labor, ex officio, or the Secretary’s designee;
(4)    the Secretary of Health, ex officio, or the Secretary’s designee;
(5)    the Secretary of Human Services, ex officio, or the Secretary’s designee;
(6)    the Adjutant General of the Military Department, ex officio, or the Adjutant General’s designee;
(7)    one representative of each of the following organizations, appointed by the Governor:
(i)    a veterans service organization;
(ii)    a nonprofit organization that serves veterans; and
(iii)    the business community;
(8)    a member of the House of Delegates appointed by the Speaker of the House; and
(9)    a member of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate.
(c)    The Governor shall consider geographical balance in making appointments to the Board of Trustees.
(d)    Except for the ex officio members or their designees:
(1)    the term of a member is 4 years;
(2)    the terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on July 1, 2013;
(3)    at the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies;
(4)    a member who is appointed after a term has begun serves for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies; and
(5)    a member may serve no more than 2 terms.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-914.1 - Board of Trustees of Trust -- Meetings; Quorum; Compensation; Staff

(a)    The Board shall meet at places and dates to be determined by the Board, but not less than 2 times a year.
(b)    A majority of the trustees is a quorum.
(c)    A trustee:
(1)    may not receive compensation as a trustee; but
(2)    is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
(d)    The Department shall provide staff, supplies, and office space for the Board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-914.2 - Board of Trustees of Trust -- Powers and Duties

(a)    The Trust shall have the powers and duties to:
(1)    solicit and accept any gift, grant, legacy, or endowment of money from the federal government, State government, local government, or any private source in furtherance of the Trust;
(2)    maintain the Fund, which shall consist of any gift, grant, legacy, or endowment provided to the Trust under item (1) of this subsection;
(3)    expend money from the Fund to provide grants or loans to:
(i)    veterans and their families;
(ii)    public and private programs that support veterans and their families; or
(iii)    any other programs that the Trust considers to be within the purpose for which the Trust is established;
(4)    develop projects for sponsorship by corporate and business organizations or private individuals;
(5)    make, execute, and enter into any contract or other legal instrument;
(6)    receive appropriations as provided in the State budget;
(7)    acquire, hold, use, improve, and convey property;
(8)    lease and maintain an office at a place within the State that the Trust designates;
(9)    adopt bylaws for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business;
(10)    take any other action necessary to carry out the purposes of the Trust;
(11)    sue and be sued, but only to enforce contractual or similar agreements with the Trust; and
(12)    submit a report on or before August 31 of each year to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of this article, to the General Assembly, with recommendations or requests deemed appropriate to further the purposes of the Trust, and a description of the activities of the Trust during the preceding year, including:
(i)    the gross amount of gifts and grants credited to the Trust;
(ii)    the costs of administration of the Trust; and
(iii)    a detailed accounting of the use of the Trust.
(b)    The Trust may carry out its corporate purposes without obtaining the consent of any department, board, or agency of the State.
(c)    In exercising its powers, the Trust is exempt from the provisions of Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part I - Established › Section 9-914.3 - Board of Trustees of Trust -- Administration of Trust Money

(a)    All money received by the Trust shall be deposited, as directed by the Trust, in any state or national bank, or federally or state–insured savings and loan associations located in the State having a total paid–in capital of at least $1,000,000. The trust department of any state or national bank or savings and loan association may be designated as a depository to receive any securities acquired or owned by the Trust. The restriction with respect to paid–in capital may be waived for any qualifying bank or savings and loan association that agrees to pledge securities of the state or of the United States to protect the funds and securities of the Trust in amounts and under arrangements acceptable to the Trust.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, any money of the Trust, in its discretion and unless otherwise provided in any agreement or covenant between the Trust and the holders of any of its obligations limiting or restricting classes of investments, may be invested in bonds or other obligations of the United States, the State, the political subdivisions or units of the State, direct or indirect federal agencies, corporate bonds with a rating of BAA3/BBB, or mortgage–backed and asset–backed securities with a rating of AAA.
(2)    The overall investment portfolio of the Trust must have a rating of at least AA.
(c)    The Trust shall make provision for a system of financial accounting, controls, audits, and reports.
(d)    The books, records, and accounts of the Trust are subject to audit by the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part II - Maryland Veterans Commission › Section 9-917 - Membership

(a)    (1)    The Commission consists of the following members appointed by the Governor.
(2)    Of the members:
(i)    1 shall be appointed from each of the 8 congressional districts in the State;
(ii)    1 shall be a veteran appointed from the State at large;
(iii)    1 shall be a woman veteran appointed from the State at large;
(iv)    1 shall be a representative of a retired enlisted organization;
(v)    1 shall be a veteran of the Iraq or Afghanistan conflict, as defined in § 1–202(a–1) of the Public Safety Article;
(vi)    1 shall be appointed from a list of individuals submitted to the Governor by each of the following organizations:
1.    the American Ex–Prisoners of War, Inc.;
2.    the American Legion;
3.    the Amvets;
4.    the Catholic War Veterans;
5.    the Disabled American Veterans;
6.    the Fleet Reserve Association;
7.    the Jewish War Veterans;
8.    the Marine Corps League;
9.    the Maryland Military Officers Association of America;
10.    the Military Order of the Purple Heart;
11.    the Polish Legion of American Veterans;
12.    the Veterans of Foreign Wars;
13.    the Vietnam Veterans of America;
14.    the Korean War Veterans Association, Inc.;
15.    the National Association for Black Veterans;
16.    the Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America; and
17.    the Reserve Organization of America; and
(vii)    1 shall be an honorary nonvoting member appointed from a list of individuals submitted to the Governor by the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.
(b)    Each member must be a resident of the State and a veteran.
(c)    (1)    The term of an appointed member is 5 years.
(2)    The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 1984.
(3)    At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(4)    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.
(5)    When an organization is no longer a part of the Commission, the appointment shall terminate at the end of the current member’s term.
(d)    A new organization may not be eligible for representation on the Commission, by appointment of the Governor, unless it is congressionally chartered.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part II - Maryland Veterans Commission › Section 9-919 - Meetings; Compensation; Staff

(a)    The Commission shall determine the times and places of its meetings.
(b)    A member of the Commission:
(1)    may not receive compensation; but
(2)    if the Commission approves, is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
(c)    The Department shall provide staff support to the Commission in accordance with the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part III - Maryland Veterans' Home Commission › Section 9-923 - Statement of Purpose

(a)    The purpose of the Maryland Veterans’ Home Commission is to advise the Department of issues related to State veterans homes.
(b)    The General Assembly declares the purpose of the Maryland Veterans’ Home Commission to be of general benefit to the veterans of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part III - Maryland Veterans' Home Commission › Section 9-924 - Scope of Part

This Part III of this subtitle does not limit any power or activity of:
(1)    a unit of the State government;
(2)    a political subdivision of the State; or
(3)    any person who is interested in veterans in the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part III - Maryland Veterans' Home Commission › Section 9-925 - Membership

(a)    The Veterans’ Home Commission consists of the following 14 members:
(1)    11 individuals appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; and
(2)    as ex officio members:
(i)    the Governor;
(ii)    the President of the Senate; and
(iii)    the Speaker of the House of Delegates.
(b)    (1)    The term of an appointed member is 5 years.
(2)    The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Veterans’ Home Commission on October 1, 1984.
(3)    At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(4)    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.
(c)    As far as is practicable and is consistent with the purposes and goals of the Veterans’ Home Commission, the Governor shall choose appointed members so as to have a broad distribution from among:
(1)    veterans and veterans’ organizations; and
(2)    the geographical areas of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part III - Maryland Veterans' Home Commission › Section 9-926 - Officers

(a)    From among its members, the Veterans’ Home Commission shall elect a chairman, a secretary, and any other officers that the Commission considers appropriate.
(b)    The manner of election of officers and their terms of office shall be as the Veterans’ Home Commission determines.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part III - Maryland Veterans' Home Commission › Section 9-927 - Quorum; Meetings; Compensation

(a)    Seven members of the Veterans’ Home Commission are a quorum to do business.
(b)    (1)    The Veterans’ Home Commission shall meet:
(i)    at least twice a year, at the times and places that it determines; and
(ii)    at the call of the Chairman, on the Chairman’s initiative or on the request of at least 4 members.
(2)    Unless all of the members of the Veterans’ Home Commission agree otherwise, the secretary of the Commission shall give each member at least 7 days’ written notice of a meeting.
(3)    If the President is unable to attend a meeting, the President may designate a Senator or an employee of the General Assembly to represent the President at the meeting.
(4)    If the Speaker is unable to attend a meeting, the Speaker may designate a Delegate or an employee of the General Assembly to represent the Speaker at the meeting.
(5)    If the Governor is unable to attend a meeting, the Governor may designate another individual to represent the Governor at the meeting.
(c)    A member of the Veterans’ Home Commission:
(1)    may not receive compensation; but
(2)    is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part III - Maryland Veterans' Home Commission › Section 9-928 - Miscellaneous Duties

(a)    With the approval of the Secretary, the Veterans’ Home Commission may adopt procedures to:
(1)    govern itself; and
(2)    carry out the responsibilities of the Veterans’ Home Commission.
(b)    The Commission:
(1)    may not incur any expenses without the consent of the Department; and
(2)    at each regular meeting of the Commission or more often as it directs, shall submit to the Department a report on any action that the Commission has taken since its last report.
(c)    (1)    The Veterans’ Home Commission shall through the Department submit an annual report:
(i)    to the Governor; and
(ii)    subject to § 2-1257 of this article, to the General Assembly.
(2)    The annual report shall:
(i)    describe the activities of the Commission; and
(ii)    include any recommendations for furthering the purposes of the Commission.
(d)    As far as practicable, the Veterans’ Home Commission shall cooperate with persons and public agencies to carry out the purposes and goals of the Commission and Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part IV - War Memorial Commission › Section 9-934 - Membership

(a)    (1)    The Commission consists of 10 members.
(2)    Of the 10 Commission members:
(i)    5 shall be appointed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with the approval of the Governor; and
(ii)    5 shall be appointed by the Mayor of Baltimore City.
(b)    Each member must be a Maryland war veteran.
(c)    (1)    The term of a member is 5 years.
(2)    The terms of a member are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 1984.
(3)    At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(4)    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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part IV - War Memorial Commission › Section 9-935 - Officers

(a)    From among its members, the Commission may elect:
(1)    a chairman;
(2)    a vice chairman; and
(3)    a secretary and a treasurer or a secretary-treasurer.
(b)    The manner of election of officers and their terms of office shall be as the Commission determines.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part IV - War Memorial Commission › Section 9-936 - Compensation and Reimbursement

(a)    A member of the Commission may not receive compensation.
(b)    If the Commission approves the reimbursement and records the vote in the minutes, a member is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part IV - War Memorial Commission › Section 9-938 - Management

(a)    The Commission may provide for management of the War Memorial Building as provided in this section.
(b)    (1)    The Commission shall adopt regulations that provide for the management of the War Memorial Building in a manner that:
(i)    permits the greatest possible use of the building by the people of the State and by patriotic organizations in the State; and
(ii)    to the extent possible, permits the use by the patriotic organizations without cost.
(2)    The Commission shall enforce the regulations.
(c)    The Commission may appoint a custodian and a janitor for the War Memorial Building.
(d)    The Commission may use, for the maintenance and administration of the building, any funds that the General Assembly or the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore appropriate for those purposes.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part V - Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program › Section 9-940 - Outreach and Advocacy Program

(a)    In this part, “Program” means the Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program.
(b)    There is a Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program in the Department.
(c)    The purpose of the Program is to ensure that:
(1)    veterans are informed of the services, benefits, and assistance available to them from the State and federal government and community organizations; and
(2)    general issues relating to veterans’ needs are brought to the attention of the Governor and the General Assembly in order for them to be addressed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part V - Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program › Section 9-941 - Director

(a)    The Secretary shall appoint a director for the Program.
(b)    The director is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.
(c)    The director shall administer and coordinate the Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 9 - Miscellaneous Executive Agencies › Subtitle 9 - Department of Veterans Affairs › Part V - Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program › Section 9-942 - General Consideration

(a)    The Program shall actively help veterans and their dependents become aware of and access any service or benefit to which they are entitled including:
(1)    tax benefits;
(2)    health care benefits;
(3)    disability benefits; and
(4)    pension benefits.
(b)    The Program, in collaboration with the Maryland Higher Education Commission, shall actively help veterans and their dependents become aware of and access education and training benefits to which they are entitled.
(c)    The director of the Program shall:
(1)    support veterans and their dependents through the service or benefit process; and
(2)    refer veterans, veterans’ dependents, and veterans’ survivors to the appropriate governmental unit for claim assistance.