reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division II - Housing Authorities › Title 21 - Washington County › Section 21-102 - Findings

The General Assembly finds that:
(1)    there are in the area of operation of the Washington Authority unsafe and unsanitary housing and a shortage of safe and sanitary housing for persons of eligible income;
(2)    these conditions cause too much public money to be spent for crime prevention and punishment, public health and safety, fire and accident protection, and other public services and facilities;
(3)    the public interest requires the remedying of these conditions;
(4)    the assistance provided under this title to remedy these conditions is a public use and purpose and an essential governmental function for which public money may be spent; and
(5)    this title is necessary in the public interest.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division II - Housing Authorities › Title 21 - Washington County › Section 21-105 - Actions Required of County Commissioners

(a)    This section does not apply if its application would disqualify the State or a county from receiving federal money.
(b)    (1)    The Board of County Commissioners shall:
(i)    adopt policies, regulations, or amendments that are necessary to implement:
1.    federally or State assisted housing programs; and
2.    locally funded housing programs undertaken in accordance with this Division II;
(ii)    review and approve each housing project that the Washington Authority proposes before the housing project may be started; and
(iii)    establish maximum income limits for persons of eligible income.
(2)    For special housing projects, the Board of County Commissioners may establish exceptions to the maximum income limits for persons of eligible income.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division II - Housing Authorities › Title 21 - Washington County › Section 21-106 - Powers of Washington Authority

(a)    Subject to the power of the Board of County Commissioners under § 21-105 of this title, the Washington Authority, in addition to the powers listed in this Division II and provided by local law, may:
(1)    make mortgage loans;
(2)    make rent subsidy payments to or for persons of eligible income;
(3)    make construction loans and long-term mortgage loans to a person to produce housing for persons of eligible income; or
(4)    waive maximum income limits for persons 65 years of age or older.
(b)    The Washington Authority may sell its bonds at public or private sale in the manner and on the terms that it authorizes by resolution.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division II - Housing Authorities › Title 22 - Indian Housing Authorities › Section 22-103 - Participation in State or Federal Programs

(a)    An Indian authority may do anything necessary or convenient to participate in any State or federal program of low and moderate income housing assistance and community development, including:
(1)    entering into and performing a contract or agreement with the State, the United States, or a unit of the federal government;
(2)    developing or operating a housing project if approval by ordinance or resolution is obtained from the governing body and chief elected official of the political subdivision where the housing project is located; and
(3)    acting as a public housing agency within the meaning of federal law and as an authority within the meaning of State law.
(b)    The Department of Housing and Community Development or an authority, acting as a local public agency or public housing agency, may do anything necessary or convenient on behalf of Native American Indians or an Indian tribe in the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 1 - Definitions › Section 1-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this article the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “County” means a county of the State or Baltimore City.
(c)    “Person” means an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, personal representative, fiduciary, representative of any kind, partnership, firm, association, corporation, or other entity.
(d)    “State” means:
(1)    a state, possession, territory, or commonwealth of the United States; or
(2)    the District of Columbia.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - General Provisions › Part I - Confidentiality of Information › Section 1-201 - Confidentiality of Information -- in General

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person may not disclose any information concerning an applicant for or recipient of social services, child welfare services, cash assistance, food stamps, or medical assistance that is directly or indirectly derived from the records, investigations, or communications of the State, a county, or a municipal corporation or a unit of the State, a county, or a municipal corporation or that is acquired in the course of the performance of official duties.
(b)    This section does not prohibit the disclosure of information:
(1)    in accordance with a court order;
(2)    to an officer or employee of any state or local government, the United States, or a fiduciary institution, if the officer or employee is entitled to the information in an official capacity and the disclosure is necessary to administer:
(i)    public assistance, medical assistance, social services, or child welfare services programs; or
(ii)    voter registration in accordance with § 3–203 of the Election Law Article; or
(3)    to a fiduciary institution that reported suspected financial abuse or financial exploitation, if the fiduciary institution is authorized to request the information under § 1–306(h) of the Financial Institutions Article.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - General Provisions › Part I - Confidentiality of Information › Section 1-204 - Construction of Part

This part does not prohibit:
(1)    the publication, for administrative or research purposes, of statistics or other data that is classified in a manner that prevents the identification of particular persons or cases;
(2)    the Department of Human Services from obtaining an individual’s financial records from a fiduciary institution in the course of verifying the individual’s eligibility for public assistance; or
(3)    disclosures authorized under § 1–303 of the Financial Institutions Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - General Provisions › Part II - Information Sharing by Agencies Serving Children, Youth, and Families › Section 1-208 - Definitions

(a)    In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Person in interest” means:
(1)    a minor, if the information requested concerns treatment to which the minor has the right to consent and has consented under Title 20, Subtitle 1 of the Health - General Article;
(2)    a parent, if the parental rights of the parent have not been terminated;
(3)    a guardian, custodian, or representative of a minor, designated by a court, if authorized to act on behalf of or instead of a parent; or
(4)    an individual authorized to act as a surrogate for a parent or guardian in accordance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
(c)    “Public agency” means a State or local government unit or a quasi-governmental entity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - General Provisions › Part II - Information Sharing by Agencies Serving Children, Youth, and Families › Section 1-209 - Legislative Intent

(a)    It is the intent of the General Assembly that public agencies that serve children, youth, and families in the State exchange information with the written consent of the person in interest or another individual authorized to give consent under this subtitle.
(b)    The exchange of information under subsection (a) of this section is for the purpose of:
(1)    carrying out the policy established under § 8-102 of this article for children, youth, and family services;
(2)    facilitating the development of a seamless system of family-focused services; and
(3)    achieving a comprehensive and coordinated interagency approach to providing a continuum of care that is family- and child-oriented.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - General Provisions › Part II - Information Sharing by Agencies Serving Children, Youth, and Families › Section 1-210 - Disclosure of Information and Records -- in General

Notwithstanding any other State law and except as provided in § 1–211 of this subtitle, on written request, a public agency shall disclose information and records on children, youth, and families served by that agency to:
(1)    another public agency that serves the same children, youth, and families;
(2)    another public agency that has children or youth in a program, home, or residential facility funded or licensed by that agency; or
(3)    the Division of Children and Youth of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - General Provisions › Part II - Information Sharing by Agencies Serving Children, Youth, and Families › Section 1-211 - Limitations on Disclosure

(a)    (1)    A public agency may not disclose information or records under § 1-210 of this subtitle if:
(i)    disclosure is prohibited by federal law; or
(ii)    the public agency has not obtained written consent if required by § 1-212 of this subtitle.
(2)    A public agency may disclose only the information and records that are identified specifically in the written request.
(b)    (1)    A public agency may not disclose child protective services records collected before October 1, 1993, unless the person in interest gives consent after being given an opportunity to review the records and the information to be disclosed.
(2)    On request, the person in interest may review the entire child protective services record regarding the minor.
(3)    A public agency may not disclose to the person in interest or a requesting public agency the identity of:
(i)    a reporter of abuse or neglect; or
(ii)    another person whose life or safety is likely to be endangered by the disclosure.
(c)    Information and records disclosed to a public agency under this part shall remain confidential and, except as provided in § 1-212(c) of this subtitle, may not be further disclosed.
(d)    Information collected by the Children’s Cabinet under § 1-212 of this subtitle may not be redisclosed in any form that reveals the identity of a recipient of services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - General Provisions › Part II - Information Sharing by Agencies Serving Children, Youth, and Families › Section 1-212 - Written Consent

(a)    Except where the consent of the person in interest is not required by law, a public agency may disclose information or records under § 1–210 of this subtitle only after obtaining written consent from:
(1)    the person in interest; or
(2)    another individual authorized to give consent under subsection (b) of this section.
(b)    (1)    For the purposes of this subsection, a person in interest is considered not reasonably available if:
(i)    after reasonable oral or written inquiry, the requesting public agency is unaware of the existence of a person in interest;
(ii)    after reasonable inquiry, the requesting public agency cannot determine the location of a person in interest; or
(iii)    after reasonable efforts by the requesting public agency to contact the person in interest, the person in interest has not responded in a timely manner, taking into account the needs of the minor for whom services are to be provided.
(2)    If the person in interest is not reasonably available to give written consent, the following persons, not listed in order of priority, may consent in writing to the release of information or records regarding a minor:
(i)    an adult who is acting as the parent of a minor, not including a teacher or a baby–sitter;
(ii)    a court that has jurisdiction over an action affecting the parent–child relationship of which the minor is the subject; or
(iii)    the Maryland Department of Health, the Department of Juvenile Services, or a local department of social services, that has the care and custody of a minor.
(3)    A person authorized to consent to the release of information or records under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall confirm in writing that the person in interest is not reasonably available.
(4)    The public agency releasing the information shall include the written confirmation in the record from which the information is released.
(c)    (1)    This subsection applies:
(i)    notwithstanding any other State law; and
(ii)    if disclosure is not prohibited by federal law.
(2)    Without the consent of the person in interest, a public agency may disclose to the Children’s Cabinet:
(i)    the name, address, date of birth, race, and sex of children receiving services; and
(ii)    the types, dates, and duration of services provided to children by State and local agencies.
(3)    The Children’s Cabinet may use information disclosed under paragraph (2) of this subsection only for planning, budgeting, evaluation, and analysis.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 2 - Department of Human Services › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Administration of Department › Section 2-202 - Secretary

(a)    (1)    With the advice and consent of the Senate, the Governor shall appoint the Secretary of Human Services.
(2)    The Secretary is the head of the Department.
(b)    Before taking office, the appointee shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.
(c)    (1)    The Secretary serves at the pleasure of the Governor and is responsible directly to the Governor.
(2)    The Secretary shall advise the Governor on all matters assigned to the Department and is responsible for carrying out the Governor’s policies on those matters.
(d)    The Secretary is entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.
(e)    The Secretary shall have a seal.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 2 - Department of Human Services › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Administration of Department › Section 2-203 - Administration of Department

(a)    The Secretary is responsible for the operation of the Department and shall establish guidelines and procedures to promote the orderly and efficient administration of the Department.
(b)    The Secretary may establish, reorganize, or abolish areas of responsibility in the office of the Secretary as necessary to fulfill effectively the duties assigned to the Secretary.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 2 - Department of Human Services › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Administration of Department › Section 2-204 - Deputy Secretaries

(a)    With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary shall appoint three deputy secretaries.
(b)    The deputy secretaries:
(1)    serve at the pleasure of the Secretary; and
(2)    are entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.
(c)    The deputy secretaries have the duties delegated by the Secretary.
(d)    The Secretary shall designate a deputy secretary to be the acting secretary when the Secretary is absent from the State or otherwise unavailable.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 2 - Department of Human Services › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Administration of Department › Section 2-205 - Staff -- Secretary's Office

(a)    In accordance with the State budget, the Secretary may employ a staff attached to the office of the Secretary.
(b)    The Secretary may designate a staff assistant to be in charge of a particular area of responsibility.
(c)    (1)    (i)    The Secretary shall appoint each staff assistant in the office of the Secretary in charge of a particular area of responsibility and each professional consultant.
(ii)    An employee specified in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph:
1.    is in the executive service or management service of, or is a special appointment under, the State Personnel Management System; and
2.    serves at the pleasure of the Secretary.
(2)    Unless otherwise provided by law, the Secretary shall appoint and remove all other employees in the office of the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 2 - Department of Human Services › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Administration of Department › Section 2-206 - Removal of Appointees

If the Secretary is required by law to make an appointment with the approval of the Governor to a particular office in the Department and the appointee is required to serve at the pleasure of the Secretary, the Secretary may not remove the appointee without first obtaining the Governor’s approval.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 2 - Department of Human Services › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Administration of Department › Section 2-207 - Staff -- Other Units

(a)    The appointment or removal of personnel by a unit in the Department is subject to the approval of the Secretary.
(b)    The Secretary may delegate the power of approval established under subsection (a) of this section to the head or governing body of the unit.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 2 - Department of Human Services › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Administration of Department › Section 2-208 - Legal Counsel

(a)    This section does not apply to a unit in the Department to the extent that the unit is authorized by law to employ its own legal adviser or counsel.
(b)    The Attorney General is the legal adviser to the Department.
(c)    The Attorney General shall assign to the Department the number of assistant Attorneys General that are authorized by law for the Department and its units.
(d)    (1)    The Attorney General shall designate one of the assistant Attorneys General assigned to the Department as counsel to the Department and may not reassign that individual without consulting with the Secretary.
(2)    The counsel may have no duty other than to give the legal aid, advice, and counsel required by the Secretary or any other official of the Department, to supervise the other assistant Attorneys General assigned to the Department, and to perform for the Department the duties that the Attorney General assigns.
(3)    The counsel shall perform the duties specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection subject to the control and discretion of the Attorney General.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 2 - Department of Human Services › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Administration of Department › Section 2-209 - Regulations

(a)    The Secretary shall adopt regulations for the office of the Secretary.
(b)    (1)    The Secretary shall review regulations proposed by a unit in the Department.
(2)    The Secretary may approve, disapprove, or revise regulations proposed by a unit in the Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 2 - Department of Human Services › Subtitle 3 - Units in Department; Duties of Department › Section 2-301 - Units in Department

The following units are in the Department:
(1)    the Child Support Administration;
(2)    the Family Investment Administration;
(3)    the Social Services Administration;
(4)    the Maryland Commission for Women;
(5)    the Two Generation Family Economic Security Commission; and
(6)    any other unit that by law is declared to be part of the Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 2 - Department of Human Services › Subtitle 3 - Units in Department; Duties of Department › Section 2-302 - Maintenance of Website

The Department shall maintain a website on which to post notices of petitions under §§ 5-316(f)(3)(ii), 5-3A-15(d)(3)(ii), and 5-3B-15(f)(3)(ii) of the Family Law Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 2 - Department of Human Services › Subtitle 4 - Maryland Commission for Women › Section 2-403 - Membership of Commission

(a)    The Commission consists of 25 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(b)    Of the 25 members of the Commission:
(1)    12 shall be appointed from among applicants who have been nominated and recommended for appointment by organizations located in the State whose interests relate to the status of women; and
(2)    13 shall be appointed from among applicants applying on their own behalf.
(c)    To the extent practicable, in making appointments under this section, the Governor shall ensure geographic diversity among the membership of the Commission.
(d)    (1)    The term of a commissioner is 4 years.
(2)    The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 2007.
(3)    A commissioner may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
(4)    At the end of a term, a commissioner continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(5)    A commissioner who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(e)    A commissioner who fails to attend at least 50% of the regularly scheduled meetings of the Commission during any 12–month period shall be considered to have resigned.
(f)    Commissioners are not entitled to receive compensation for their services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 2 - Department of Human Services › Subtitle 4 - Maryland Commission for Women › Section 2-406 - Powers and Duties of Commission

(a)    (1)    The Commission shall:
(i)    stimulate and encourage study and review of the status of women in the State;
(ii)    strengthen home life by directing attention to critical problems confronting women as wives, mothers, homemakers, and workers;
(iii)    recommend methods of overcoming discrimination against women in public and private employment;
(iv)    encourage women to become candidates for public office;
(v)    promote more effective methods for enabling women to develop skills, continue education, and be retrained;
(vi)    secure appropriate recognition of women’s accomplishments and contributions to the State;
(vii)    work to develop healthy attitudes within the framework of the Commission’s responsibilities; and
(viii)    inform the executive and legislative branches of government on issues concerning women, including offering testimony on these issues before legislative and administrative bodies.
(2)    The Commission may:
(i)    act as a clearinghouse for activities to avoid duplication of effort; and
(ii)    make surveys and appoint advisory committees in fields including education, social services, labor laws and employment policies, law enforcement, health and safety, new and expanded services, legal rights, family relations, human relations, and volunteer services.
(b)    Through the Secretary, the Commission shall submit an annual report including recommendations based on the Commission’s studies to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly.
(c)    The Commission may not adopt regulations.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 2 - Department of Human Services › Subtitle 4 - Maryland Commission for Women › Section 2-408 - Funding

(a)    (1)    Subject to the approval of the Secretary, the Commission may accept for the purposes of this subtitle:
(i)    federal funds granted by Congress or executive order; and
(ii)    private donations from individuals, organizations, or foundations.
(2)    The acceptance and use of federal funds does not commit State funds or obligate the General Assembly to continue the purposes for which the federal funds are granted.
(b)    The Department shall include the Commission in its annual budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 2 - Department of Human Services › Subtitle 5 - Two Generation Family Economic Security Commission › Section 2-503 - Members -- Geographic Diversity -- Terms -- Compensation

(a)    The Commission consists of the following members:
(1)    the Secretary, who shall serve as the ex officio chair of the Commission;
(2)    two members of the Senate, appointed as follows:
(i)    one member of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, appointed by the President of the Senate; and
(ii)    one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;
(3)    two members of the House of Delegates, appointed as follows:
(i)    one member of the House Appropriations Committee, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and
(ii)    one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Delegates;
(4)    the Secretary of Housing and Community Development, or the Secretary’s designee;
(5)    the Secretary of Disabilities, or the Secretary’s designee;
(6)    the Secretary of Health, or the Secretary’s designee;
(7)    the Secretary of Labor, or the Secretary’s designee;
(8)    the Secretary of Juvenile Services, or the Secretary’s designee;
(9)    the Superintendent of the Maryland State Department of Education, or the Superintendent’s designee;
(10)    one director of a local department of social services, appointed by the Secretary of Human Services in consultation with the Maryland Association of Social Services Directors;
(11)    one county health officer, appointed by the Secretary of Health in consultation with the Maryland Association of County Health Officers;
(12)    one member appointed by the Maryland Association of Community Colleges;
(13)    two public members appointed by the Governor, including at least one parent with experience in child welfare advocacy or community action partnerships; and
(14)    one member appointed by the Secretary of Human Services who lived in and experienced poverty in Maryland and who was, within the past 3 years before appointment to the Commission, a recipient of public assistance based on the individual’s poverty.
(b)    To the extent practicable, appointments under this section shall ensure geographic diversity among the membership of the Commission.
(c)    (1)    This subsection applies to commissioners appointed under subsection (a)(10) through (13) of this section.
(2)    The term of a commissioner is 4 years.
(3)    The terms of the members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 2020.
(4)    At the end of a term, a commissioner continues to serve until a successor is appointed.
(5)    A commissioner who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed.
(d)    The Department shall provide staff for the Commission.
(e)    A member of the Commission:
(1)    may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but
(2)    is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 2 - Department of Human Services › Subtitle 5 - Two Generation Family Economic Security Commission › Section 2-504 - Powers and Duties -- Annual Report

(a)    (1)    The Commission shall:
(i)    investigate policy challenges, opportunities, and recommendations regarding the mitigation of multigenerational poverty;
(ii)    identify services and policies within State programs that can be coordinated to support a multigenerational approach to addressing poverty;
(iii)    identify program and service gaps and inconsistencies among federal, State, and local policies;
(iv)    identify, test, and recommend best practices implemented at the federal, State, and local levels;
(v)    solicit information and guidance from external sources with direct knowledge and experience in addressing multigenerational poverty;
(vi)    identify tools to measure and predict the impact of the benefit cliff on an individual family basis;
(vii)    measure the impact of multigenerational programs;
(viii)    identify opportunities to coordinate multigenerational services across multiple State agencies; and
(ix)    collect data to be used in evaluating the effectiveness of programs.
(2)    The Commission may:
(i)    utilize federal and State funding to establish and implement programs to address multigenerational poverty; and
(ii)    partner with local jurisdictions and community action agencies, local departments of social services, and local workforce development areas in implementing programs to address intergenerational poverty.
(b)    Through the Secretary, the Commission shall submit an annual report including recommendations based on the Commission’s studies to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 3 - Local Departments of Social Services › Subtitle 1 - Definitions › Section 3-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Department” means the Department of Human Services.
(c)    (1)    “Local board” means the board of social services in a county.
(2)    “Local board” includes the commission of social services in Baltimore City.
(d)    “Local department” means:
(1)    a local department of social services created or continued in a county under § 3–201 of this title; or
(2)    in Montgomery County, the Montgomery County government.
(e)    “Local director” means the director of a local department.
(f)    “Local governing authority” means:
(1)    in references to executive authority:
(i)    the board of county commissioners of a county that does not have a charter form of government;
(ii)    the highest executive authority of a county that has a charter form of government; or
(iii)    the Mayor of Baltimore City;
(2)    in references to purely legislative authority:
(i)    the board of county commissioners of a county that does not have a charter form of government;
(ii)    the county council of a county that has a charter form of government; or
(iii)    the City Council of Baltimore City; or
(3)    in references to combined executive and legislative authority:
(i)    the board of county commissioners of a county that does not have a charter form of government;
(ii)    the county council and the highest executive authority of a county that has a charter form of government; or
(iii)    the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City.
(g)    “Secretary” means the Secretary of Human Services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 3 - Local Departments of Social Services › Subtitle 2 - General Provisions › Section 3-201 - Local Departments -- in General

(a)    (1)    This subsection does not apply in Montgomery County.
(2)    The Department shall create or continue a local department in each county.
(3)    A local department shall be referred to as the department of social services preceded by the name of the county.
(b)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a local department shall have a local board and a local director appointed in accordance with this title.
(c)    In Baltimore City, the local department shall have a commission of social services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 3 - Local Departments of Social Services › Subtitle 2 - General Provisions › Section 3-202 - Local Departments -- Funding

(a)    Administrative costs that a local department incurs in carrying out this subtitle and Subtitle 3 of this title shall be paid with State or federal funds as the Department prescribes.
(b)    This section does not prohibit a county from appropriating additional funds for administrative costs of a local department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 3 - Local Departments of Social Services › Subtitle 3 - Local Directors › Section 3-301 - In General

(a)    In this section, “local executive authority” means:
(1)    except as provided in item (2) of this subsection, the county  executive of a county that has a charter form of government;
(2)    the County Council of Talbot County;
(3)    the county commissioners of a county that does not have a charter  form of government; or
(4)    the Mayor of Baltimore City.
(b)    (1)    In each county, the local director shall be appointed with the concurrence of the Secretary and the appropriate local executive authority or its designee.
(2)    The local executive authority or its designee shall meet and consult with the local board before the appointment of the local director.
(c)    A local director shall have:
(1)    a master’s degree in social work or a related field;
(2)    at least 5 years of professional employment in social services administration or supervision; and
(3)    any other qualifications and training that the Secretary requires by regulation.
(d)    (1)    The Secretary, the local executive authority or its designee, and the local board shall:
(i)    at least annually, evaluate the local director in writing; and
(ii)    jointly review their respective evaluations with the local director.
(2)    In consultation with the local board, the local governing authority of each county shall establish by ordinance or resolution the process for evaluating the local director.
(3)    The Secretary shall:
(i)    establish by regulation the process by which the Secretary will evaluate the local directors; and
(ii)    notify the local board of any significant deficiencies in the administration of the local department.
(e)    (1)    A local director may be removed from office with the concurrence of the Secretary and the appropriate local executive authority or its designee.
(2)    The appropriate local executive authority or its designee shall meet and consult with the local board before the removal of a local director.
(f)    (1)    A local director shall be in the executive service or management service of the State Personnel Management System.
(2)    Each deputy director and assistant director of the Baltimore City Department of Social Services shall be in the management service of the State Personnel Management System.
(3)    Except as provided in § 3–403.1 of this title, the Director of the Department of Social Services in Montgomery County is a member of the Employees’ Pension System.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 3 - Local Departments of Social Services › Subtitle 3 - Local Directors › Section 3-302 - Responsibilities

(a)    (1)    This section does not apply in Montgomery County.
(2)    Except for child support enforcement, a local director shall administer the social service and public assistance activities in the county in accordance with Title 4, Subtitle 2 and Title 5, Subtitle 2 of this article.
(b)    A local director has a general administrative responsibility to the Social Services Administration and the Family Investment Administration.
(c)    The responsibilities of a local director include:
(1)    long-range and short-range planning for the functions and objectives of the local department;
(2)    administering the operations of the local department;
(3)    except as provided in § 3-301(f)(2) of this subtitle or as otherwise provided by law, appointing personnel of the local department in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article;
(4)    improving administrative and social work practices and procedures;
(5)    submitting periodic reports and evaluations that the Social Services Administration and the Family Investment Administration require;
(6)    submitting an annual report to the local board; and
(7)    undertaking any other responsibilities required by the Social Services Administration, the Family Investment Administration, or applicable laws.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 3 - Local Departments of Social Services › Subtitle 4 - Montgomery County › Section 3-401 - Legislative Intent

It is the intent of the General Assembly that:
(1)    the purpose of this subtitle is to provide better integrated, more efficient, and accountable human services delivery in Montgomery County by the State and county; and
(2)    implementation of this subtitle shall be cost neutral to both the State and Montgomery County.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 3 - Local Departments of Social Services › Subtitle 4 - Montgomery County › Section 3-402 - Administration of Programs

(a)    In Montgomery County, the Montgomery County government shall administer State social service and public assistance programs that in other counties are administered by a local department.
(b)    The administration of State programs by Montgomery County is governed by State and federal regulations.
(c)    (1)    Montgomery County shall administer State child welfare programs in the same manner as the programs are administered in other counties.
(2)    The unit of the Montgomery County government that administers the programs under paragraph (1) of this subsection is exempt from licensing requirements in the same manner as local departments in other counties.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 3 - Local Departments of Social Services › Subtitle 4 - Montgomery County › Section 3-403 - Funding

(a)    Subject to § 3–403.1 of this subtitle, the Secretary shall enter into a grant agreement with the Montgomery County government for the administration in Montgomery County of programs administered in other counties by local departments.
(b)    The grant agreement shall:
(1)    provide for payment to Montgomery County for the costs of administering State programs at State funding rates as provided in § 3-202 of this title:
(i)    including salaries, overhead, general liability coverage, workers’ compensation, and employee benefits; but
(ii)    excluding amounts attributable to county salaries or benefits that exceed comparable State salaries or benefits;
(2)    require the State to pay for State accrued leave; and
(3)    utilize the same budget categories as appropriations in the State budget for local departments in other counties.
(c)    (1)    Notwithstanding any other law, the proportion of State and federal funds paid in fiscal year 1997 to the Montgomery County government under this section relative to the funds provided by the Secretary to all local departments may not be less than the proportion of funds disbursed in fiscal year 1996 to the Montgomery County Department of Social Services.
(2)    After fiscal year 1997, the amount of the grant to the Montgomery County government shall be proportionally adjusted each year to:
(i)    reflect changes in case loads, the number of children in poverty, and any other relevant cost factors the parties agree to; and
(ii)    ensure that the grant is equitable in relation to the funds provided to all local departments.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 3 - Local Departments of Social Services › Subtitle 4 - Montgomery County › Section 3-404 - Confidentiality of Information

(a)    The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is considered to be one agency for purposes of confidentiality provisions of State law.
(b)    The use and release of information concerning recipients of State social service and public assistance programs by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is governed by the confidentiality provisions of State law, including Title 1, Subtitle 2 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 3 - Local Departments of Social Services › Subtitle 4 - Montgomery County › Section 3-406 - Award of Judgments

(a)    This section is not a waiver of immunity under the Eleventh Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State shall pay any judgment awarded against Montgomery County or an employee of Montgomery County that arises out of an action commenced or prosecuted in a court of the United States relating to the administration and implementation of State programs described in this subtitle.
(2)    The State may not pay a judgment awarded against an employee of Montgomery County under this section for an act or omission committed:
(i)    outside the scope of employment; or
(ii)    with malice.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 3 - Local Departments of Social Services › Subtitle 5 - Local Boards › Section 3-501 - In General

(a)    This section does not apply in Baltimore City.
(b)    Each local department shall have a local board.
(c)    A local board consists of at least 9 but no more than 13 members as provided by local law enacted by the local governing authority.
(d)    (1)    On July 1 of each year, each local governing authority shall designate one member of the local governing authority to serve as an ex officio member of the local board.
(2)    (i)    The other members of the local board shall be appointed by the local governing authority.
(ii)    The local governing authority shall seek out and appoint individuals who:
1.    have a high degree of interest, capacity, and objectivity; and
2.    in the aggregate, give a countywide representative character to the local board.
(e)    On July 1 of each year, each local board shall select a chairman.
(f)    A member of a local board:
(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.
(g)    (1)    (i)    1.    Except as provided in subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, the term of an appointed member is 3 years.
2.    In Charles County, the term of an appointed member is 4 years.
(ii)    A term expires on June 30 of the year of expiration.
(iii)    At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed.
(iv)    Once an appointed member of a local board serves two consecutive full terms, the member is ineligible for reappointment for a period of 1 year.
(2)    If a vacancy occurs during the term of a member, the local governing authority shall appoint or designate a successor to serve for the remainder of the term.
(h)    If a member of a local board fails to attend at least 50% of the local board’s meetings during a period of twelve consecutive months:
(1)    the member may be considered to have resigned; and
(2)    the chairman may declare that a vacancy exists.
(i)    (1)    This subsection does not apply to an ex officio member of a local board.
(2)    If a member of a local board is elected or appointed to political or public office:
(i)    the local governing authority may consider the member to have resigned; and
(ii)    the chairman shall declare that a vacancy exists.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 3 - Local Departments of Social Services › Subtitle 5 - Local Boards › Section 3-503 - Duties and Functions of Local Boards

The duties and functions of a local board include:
(1)    to advise the local director as to the local application of State policies or procedures;
(2)    to be well informed on local departmental activities;
(3)    to communicate to the residents of the county, broad and comprehensive information as to the objectives, policies, programs, and problems of local social services and public assistance administration;
(4)    to review the periodic evaluation of the local department prepared by the Department and consult with the local director as to the proper implementation of the recommendations and any recommendations made by the local board as a result of its evaluation of the local department;
(5)    to review and transmit to the Secretary and the local governing authority:
(i)    the annual report of the local director on the activities of the local department; and
(ii)    any changes in policies or procedures the local board recommends;
(6)    to review and make recommendations regarding the annual estimate of funds needed for social services and public assistance purposes in the county;
(7)    (i)    to consult with the local director regarding any new service that might be instituted by the local director or the local board to meet an unmet need in the county;
(ii)    to approve or disapprove the local director’s evaluation of the readiness of the local department to take on the new service and the propriety of the new service within the State plan; and
(iii)    to present to the Department:
1.    suggested new services that the local board approves, regardless of whether the recommendation originated from the local director or the local board; and
2.    the recommendations of both the local director and the local board;
(8)    to take active steps to secure the appropriation of local funds by the local governing authority to meet needs that are:
(i)    not financed by or available through any other federal, State, or local plan, project, or program; and
(ii)    not in conflict with the State plan;
(9)    to meet with the Secretary periodically at the request of the Secretary or the local board;
(10)    to establish and maintain effective liaison with the local governing authority;
(11)    in conjunction with the Department, to serve as an advocate for social services and public assistance programs on the local, State, and federal levels;
(12)    to work to identify private, State, and federal grant sources for social services and public assistance programs;
(13)    in conjunction with the Department, to develop and implement an educational and public relations program for public and elected officials on the local, State, and federal level; and
(14)    in conjunction with the Department and the local executive authority or its designee, to evaluate the local director and make recommendations based on the evaluation to the Secretary.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 3 - Local Departments of Social Services › Subtitle 6 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 3-601 - Legal Services to Local Departments

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the attorney to, or an attorney designated by, the local governing authority in each county or an attorney employed by the State shall institute and defend each civil action in which the local department is a party.
(2)    In Cecil County, the local department may secure the services of attorneys to represent it in all legal matters affecting the local department.
(b)    Actions in which the local department is a party shall be instituted in the name of the local department.
(c)    (1)    The court may award attorney’s fees to an attorney representing a local department in an action to recover:
(i)    from the estate of a recipient of any type of public assistance, the amount paid to the recipient during the recipient’s lifetime; or
(ii)    from a recipient of any type of public assistance, the amount paid to the recipient before the recipient receives any property or income in excess of the amount stated in the recipient’s application for assistance and in excess of the recipient’s need.
(2)    The amount of fees awarded by the court shall be deducted from the gross amount of the recovery in the action.
(3)    The net amount of the recovery shall be turned over to the local department to be divided among the State, the county, and the federal government in proportion to the amount paid by each.
(d)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided, an attorney who provides any other legal services on behalf of a local department shall be paid the fees the Department sets.
(2)    Attorney’s fees under this subsection shall be paid out of regular administrative funds.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 3 - Local Departments of Social Services › Subtitle 6 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 3-602 - Audits of Local Departments

(a)    At least once every 3 years, the Office of the Inspector General in the  Department shall:
(1)    conduct or contract for a financial and compliance audit of each local department; and
(2)    prepare a written report of the audit findings.
(b)    The audit shall comply with the auditing standards issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
(c)    The written report of the audit findings shall be distributed to:
(1)    the local board; and
(2)    the local governing authority.