reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 4 - Social Services › Subtitle 1 - Definitions › Section 4-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Administration” means the Social Services Administration.
(c)    “Department” means the Department of Human Services.
(d)    “Executive Director” means the Executive Director of Social Services.
(e)    “Local department” means:
(1)    a local department of social services created or continued in a county under § 3–201 of this article; or
(2)    in Montgomery County, the Montgomery County government.
(f)    “Secretary” means the Secretary of Human Services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 4 - Social Services › Subtitle 2 - Social Services Administration › Section 4-203 - Executive Director

(a)    With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary shall appoint the Executive Director.
(b)    The Executive Director shall be a competent person with adequate training and practical experience in social welfare work.
(c)    The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Secretary.
(d)    The Executive Director is entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 4 - Social Services › Subtitle 2 - Social Services Administration › Section 4-204 - Powers and Duties of Executive Director

(a)    (1)    The Executive Director is the administrative head of the Administration.
(2)    The Executive Director shall devote the Executive Director’s whole time to the duties of the office.
(b)    Subject to State and federal laws governing the administration of social services, the Executive Director shall:
(1)    administer and organize the Administration;
(2)    supervise the social service activities of the local departments; and
(3)    supervise other agencies and institutions under the supervision of the Administration.
(c)    (1)    The Executive Director may prescribe the number and minimum qualifications of the personnel engaged in the administration of the activities of the Administration and of the local departments that are financed wholly or partly by the Administration.
(2)    (i)    As provided in the State budget, the Executive Director may appoint the personnel required to properly perform the duties of the Administration.
(ii)    Except as otherwise provided, appointment and removal of all paid personnel under this title are subject to the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
(d)    The Executive Director shall submit budget estimates for the Administration to the Secretary.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 4 - Social Services › Subtitle 2 - Social Services Administration › Section 4-205 - Powers and Duties of Administration

(a)    (1)    The Administration shall be the central coordinating and directing agency of all social service activities in the State, including:
(i)    child welfare services; and
(ii)    any other social service activities financed wholly or partly by the Administration.
(2)    For the purposes of these duties, child welfare services provided to a minor may continue after the minor’s eighteenth birthday but not beyond the minor’s twenty-first birthday.
(b)    The Administration shall supervise, direct, and control the activities of the local departments that it finances wholly or partly.
(c)    The Administration shall supervise all public and private institutions that have care, custody, or control of abused, abandoned, dependent, or neglected children, except:
(1)    institutions under the authority of the Department of Juvenile Services; and
(2)    agencies, persons, or institutions designated by the Department of Juvenile Services under § 9-217 of this article.
(d)    (1)    The Administration may visit any State-aided institution, organization, or agency engaged in social service or welfare activities and inspect thoroughly its management, buildings, and equipment.
(2)    Visits and inspections under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be made:
(i)    at reasonably convenient hours; and
(ii)    with reasonable regard to the established discipline, regulations, and customs of the institution, organization, or agency.
(e)    As desirable or necessary for the purpose of this title, the Administration may designate existing agencies or organizations in the State as the Administration’s agents.
(f)    Before the start of each regular session of the General Assembly, the Administration shall submit a report of its activities to the Governor.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 4 - Social Services › Subtitle 2 - Social Services Administration › Section 4-207 - Regulations

(a)    Subject to § 2-209(b) of this article, the Executive Director may adopt regulations necessary to carry out the duties imposed on the Executive Director by law.
(b)    (1)    The Executive Director shall adopt regulations covering the custody, use, and preservation of the records of the Administration and the local departments concerning applicants for and recipients of social services.
(2)    The use of the records of the Administration and the local departments by any other governmental unit shall be limited to the purposes for which the records are furnished.
(c)    (1)    All regulations or directives implemented by the Executive Director that are based on federal law, rules, regulations, or guidelines shall have the federal material:
(i)    referenced in the text of the State material; or
(ii)    attached permanently to the State material.
(2)    The Department shall furnish to each of the local departments at least one up-to-date copy of all current federal regulations applicable to the operations of the local department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 4 - Social Services › Subtitle 3 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 4-302 - Federal Funds

The Administration may:
(1)    accept any federal funds or commodities;
(2)    manage and dispose of any federal funds or commodities as required by federal law; and
(3)    apply the federal Social Security Act or any other federal law relating to social services to the benefit of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 4 - Social Services › Subtitle 3 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 4-303 - Recoupment of Overpayments

(a)    The Administration shall make every effort to recoup overpayments made to recipients that the State is authorized to recoup under federal law.
(b)    The Administration shall establish an administrative procedure, in accordance with federal law, to be followed when the Administration has reason to believe that an overpayment has been made.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 4 - Social Services › Subtitle 3 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 4-304 - Foster Youth Summer Internship Program

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Foster youth” means an individual who:
(i)    is in out–of–home care under the responsibility of the State; or
(ii)    1.    is an adult under the age of 26 years; and
2.    was in out–of–home care under the responsibility of the State on the individual’s 18th birthday.
(3)    “Program” means the Foster Youth Summer Internship Program established under this section.
(b)    The Secretary shall:
(1)    develop and implement a Foster Youth Summer Internship Program with the assistance of the Department of Budget and Management and in consultation with the local directors of local departments of social services; and
(2)    coordinate with State agencies to establish internships in State agencies that are open to participants in the Program.
(c)    The purpose of the Program is to provide foster youth with training and experience through internships in agencies within the Executive Branch of State government.
(d)    The Program shall be established in multiple regions of the State.
(e)    Internships under the Program may be paid or unpaid.
(f)    A State agency participating in the Program may:
(1)    specify requirements for internship applicants; and
(2)    select its interns from among the available applicants.
(g)    To be eligible to participate in an internship under the Program, an individual must be a foster youth at least 15 years old.
(h)    On or before October 1, 2019, the Secretary, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, shall report to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and the House Appropriations Committee of the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on:
(1)    the number of foster youth participating in the Program;
(2)    the location and type of internships in the Program;
(3)    efforts to recruit eligible individuals to participate in the Program; and
(4)    factors that affect Program participation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 1 - Definitions › Section 5-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Administration” means the Family Investment Administration.
(c)    “Department” means the Department of Human Services.
(d)    “Executive Director” means the Executive Director of Family Investment.
(e)    “Local department” means:
(1)    a local department of social services created or continued in a county under § 3–201 of this article; or
(2)    in Montgomery County, the Montgomery County government.
(f)    “Local director” means the director of a local department.
(g)    “Secretary” means the Secretary of Human Services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 2 - Family Investment Administration › Section 5-203 - Executive Director

(a)    The Executive Director is the head of the Administration.
(b)    With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary shall appoint the Executive Director.
(c)    The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Secretary.
(d)    The Executive Director is entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 2 - Family Investment Administration › Section 5-204 - Powers and Duties of Executive Director

(a)    Subject to State and federal laws governing the administration of public assistance, the Executive Director shall:
(1)    organize and administer the Administration;
(2)    supervise the public assistance activities of the local departments; and
(3)    supervise other agencies and institutions under the supervision of the Administration.
(b)    (1)    The Executive Director may prescribe the number and minimum qualifications of the personnel engaged in the administration of the activities of the Administration and of the local departments that are financed wholly or partly by the Administration.
(2)    (i)    As provided in the State budget, the Executive Director may appoint the personnel required to properly perform the duties of the Administration.
(ii)    Except as otherwise provided, appointment and removal of all paid personnel under this title are subject to the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
(c)    The Executive Director shall submit budget estimates for the Administration to the Secretary.
(d)    The Executive Director shall:
(1)    develop a comprehensive process to:
(i)    systematically analyze cash assistance payment errors;
(ii)    formulate strategies, including improvements in the eligibility determination process, to reduce the errors; and
(iii)    monitor implementation of the strategies;
(2)    require each local department to submit annual plans that contain measurable objectives, including objectives for participation in work activities, to meet the goals of the Family Investment Program; and
(3)    monitor the success of the local departments in achieving the objectives of the plans.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 2 - Family Investment Administration › Section 5-205 - Powers and Duties of Administration

(a)    The Administration shall be the central coordinating and directing agency of all public assistance programs in the State, including:
(1)    the Family Investment Program and related cash benefit programs;
(2)    public assistance to adults;
(3)    emergency assistance;
(4)    food stamps;
(5)    medical assistance eligibility determinations;
(6)    the Energy Assistance Program;
(7)    the Temporary Disability Assistance Program; and
(8)    any other public assistance activities financed wholly or partly by the Administration.
(b)    The Administration shall supervise, direct, and control the activities of the local departments that it finances wholly or partly.
(c)    (1)    The Administration may visit any State-aided institution, organization, or agency engaged in public assistance activities and inspect thoroughly its management, buildings, and equipment.
(2)    Visits and inspections under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be made:
(i)    at reasonably convenient hours; and
(ii)    with reasonable regard for the established discipline, regulations, and customs of the institution, organization, or agency.
(d)    As desirable or necessary for the purpose of this title, the Administration may designate existing agencies or organizations in the State as the Administration’s agents.
(e)    Before the start of each regular session of the General Assembly, the Administration shall submit a report of its activities to the Governor.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 2 - Family Investment Administration › Section 5-207 - Regulations

(a)    Subject to § 2-209(b) of this article, the Executive Director may adopt regulations necessary to carry out the duties imposed on the Executive Director by law.
(b)    (1)    The Executive Director shall adopt regulations covering the custody, use, and preservation of the records of the Administration and the local departments concerning applicants for and recipients of public assistance.
(2)    The use of the records of the Administration and the local departments by any other governmental unit shall be limited to the purposes for which the records are furnished.
(c)    (1)    All regulations or directives implemented by the Executive Director that are based on federal law, rules, regulations, or guidelines shall have the federal material:
(i)    referenced in the text of the State material; or
(ii)    attached permanently to the State material.
(2)    The Department shall furnish to each of the local departments at least one up-to-date copy of all current federal regulations applicable to the operations of the local department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Family Investment Program › Section 5-301 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Community service” means a structured program with embedded activities in which individuals perform unpaid work:
(1)    for the direct benefit of the community; and
(2)    under the guidance and support of a public or nonprofit organization.
(c)    “FIP” means the Family Investment Program.
(d)    “Nonprofit organization” means a religious, charitable, or volunteer organization that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(e)    “Recipient” means each individual in a FIP case.
(f)    “Temporary cash assistance” means the cash assistance component of the FIP that is funded wholly or partly through Title IV, Part A, of the Social Security Act.
(g)    “Third party payee” means:
(1)    an individual that the Department approves;
(2)    a nonprofit organization;
(3)    a for–profit organization; or
(4)    a governmental unit, including a local department.
(h)    “Transitional assistance” means assistance provided to a recipient whose temporary cash assistance has been terminated for noncompliance with FIP requirements.
(i)    “Work activity” means:
(1)    job search activity;
(2)    subsidized employment in either the public or private sector;
(3)    work experience;
(4)    on–the–job training;
(5)    community service;
(6)    training directly related to employment; or
(7)    education directly related to employment.
(j)    “Work experience” means unpaid work activity, performed in return for temporary cash assistance, that provides an individual with an opportunity to acquire the general skills, knowledge, and work habits necessary to obtain employment.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Family Investment Program › Section 5-303 - Duties of Secretary

The Secretary shall:
(1)    implement a FIP that meets the requirements of this subtitle and federal law;
(2)    supervise the administration by local departments of the FIP under this subtitle;
(3)    cooperate with the federal government in matters of mutual concern pertaining to federal funding for the FIP; and
(4)    adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Family Investment Program › Section 5-306 - Contracting Powers of Department

(a)    In providing assistance under this subtitle, the Department may contract with:
(1)    charitable organizations;
(2)    private organizations;
(3)    religious organizations; and
(4)    institutions of higher education.
(b)    If the Department contracts with a State, local, or nongovernmental contractor, the contractor shall provide individuals with disabilities access and equal opportunity to participate in the benefits of the services, programs, and activities provided by the contractor in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, including reasonable accommodations necessary to participate in FIP.
(c)    For any contract with a nongovernmental entity in place as of October 1, 2024, the Department annually shall review each contract to measure:
(1)    overall program impact, including the number of recipients enrolled in education or training programs that increase the recipient’s skill level;
(2)    interim progress toward employment for current recipients of temporary cash assistance, including the number of recipients earning an education credential or a skill–based certificate;
(3)    employment outcomes for families who left temporary cash assistance due to earnings, including the number of employment outcomes with wages that:
(i)    equal the State minimum wage;
(ii)    meet or exceed 150% of the State minimum wage; and
(iii)    meet or exceed 200% of the State minimum wage; and
(4)    the number of the recipients served experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity while participating in work activities.
(d)    Within 45 days after completion of the Department’s review under subsection (c) of this section, the Department shall:
(1)    in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, submit the review to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the House Appropriations Committee; and
(2)    publish the review on the Department’s website.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Family Investment Program › Section 5-307 - Religious Organizations

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a religious organization may participate in the FIP on the same basis as any other nongovernmental entity.
(b)    An individual may not be required to accept assistance from a religious organization if acceptance would violate the individual’s bona fide religious beliefs and practices.
(c)    An organization funded under the FIP may not discriminate on the basis of religion, religious belief, or refusal to participate in a religious practice with respect to any individual’s receipt of service under the FIP.
(d)    The Department shall provide all recipients with clear and timely notice of their rights under § 104(e) of the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Family Investment Program › Section 5-308.1 - Purpose of Work Experience -- Referral of Individual for Work Activity

(a)    The purpose of work experience is to improve the employability of individuals who cannot find unsubsidized full–time employment.
(b)    The Department may refer an individual to work experience for work activity if:
(1)    private sector employment is not available;
(2)    the maximum work experience placement for the individual does not exceed 90 days in a 3–year period;
(3)    the Department offers the individual at least three work activity options that include:
(i)    subject to subsection (c) of this section, only one work experience option; and
(ii)    at least one option that is work activity or a program funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act;
(4)    the individual chooses the work experience for work activity;
(5)    the Department informs the individual that the individual may subsequently change to different work activity; and
(6)    the work experience provides skills that match the individual’s personal, career, and family goals to support economic mobility.
(c)    If the Department offers work experience as work activity, the Department may not offer community service as work activity.
(d)    If at any time the requirements of subsection (b) of this section are not met, an individual placed in work experience may request a transfer to different work activity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Family Investment Program › Section 5-308.2 - Purpose of Community Service -- Types of Community Service -- Referral of Individual for Community Service

(a)    The purpose of community service is to improve the employability of individuals who cannot find unsubsidized full–time employment.
(b)    Community service shall:
(1)    be limited to projects that service a useful community purpose in fields including health, social service, environmental protection, education, urban and rural development, welfare, recreation, public facilities, public safety, and child care; and
(2)    be supervised on an ongoing basis at least once each day in which the individual is scheduled to participate in the community service.
(c)    The Department may refer an individual to community service for work activity if:
(1)    private sector employment is not available;
(2)    the maximum community service placement for the individual does not exceed 90 days in a 3–year period;
(3)    the Department offers to the individual at least three work activity options that shall include:
(i)    subject to subsection (d) of this section, only one community service option; and
(ii)    at least one work activity option or a program funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act;
(4)    the individual chooses the community service for work activity;
(5)    the Department informs the individual that the individual may subsequently change to different work activity;
(6)    the community service provides skills that match the individual’s personal, career, and family goals to support economic mobility; and
(7)    when making appropriate community service assignments, the Department has considered the individual’s prior training, experience, and skills.
(d)    If the Department offers community service as work activity, the Department may not offer work experience as work activity.
(e)    If at any time the requirements of subsection (c) of this section are not met, an individual placed in community service may request a transfer to different work activity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Family Investment Program › Section 5-310 - Amount of Assistance; Rules of Eligibility

(a)    (1)    For applicants to the FIP, the amount of assistance shall be computed by counting no more than 4 weeks of earned income in any month and disregarding 20% of that earned income.
(2)    The first $100 of child support collected in a month for one child and the first $200 of child support collected in a month for two or more children shall pass through to the family and shall be disregarded in computing the amount of assistance.
(3)    For eligible recipients who obtain unsubsidized employment, the amount of assistance shall be computed by counting no more than 4 weeks of earned income in any month and disregarding 35% of that earned income.
(b)    A recipient who has established eligibility may not lose eligibility solely because one or more wage earners in the family unit works more than 100 hours per month.
(c)    Two–parent families shall be exempt from any requirement that the principal wage earner must have worked for a specified time before applying to the FIP.
(d)    (1)    A child who is living with the child’s parent and a stepparent in a household in which the household income exceeds the State eligibility standard for assistance may receive assistance if:
(i)    the requirements of § 5–308 of this subtitle are met; and
(ii)    the parent and the child would be eligible for assistance, based on the income of the parent and that parent’s children.
(2)    The amount of assistance to be paid under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be computed with regard to the income of the stepparent if the total income of the stepparent equals or exceeds 50% of the official poverty level, adjusted for family size, established under the federal Community Services Block Grant Act.
(e)    A dependent child over the age of 17 years is eligible for inclusion in the FIP grant if:
(1)    the child is a full–time student in secondary school or the equivalent; and
(2)    the education program is expected to be completed in the calendar year that the child attains the age of 19 years.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Family Investment Program › Section 5-311 - Periodic Recertification; Cancellation, Suspension, or Revocation

(a)    All assistance granted under this subtitle is subject to periodic recertification.
(b)    At any time, the Department may cancel, suspend, or revoke assistance if:
(1)    the recipient’s circumstances have altered sufficiently to warrant cancellation, suspension, or revocation; or
(2)    the recipient has failed to comply with FIP requirements.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Family Investment Program › Section 5-313 - Temporary Cash Assistance -- Limitations

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section and in regulations that the Secretary adopts, a local department may not pay temporary cash assistance to:
(1)    a family that includes an adult who has received more than 60 cumulative months of temporary cash assistance funded wholly or partly by federal funds; or
(2)    a family that includes an adult who:
(i)    has received more than 24 cumulative months of temporary cash assistance funded wholly or partly by federal funds; and
(ii)    is not participating in a work activity.
(b)    The Secretary shall adopt regulations that establish:
(1)    standards and procedures under which a local department may exempt a family from the limitation under subsection (a)(1) of this section because of hardship; and
(2)    a separate State program that:
(i)    is funded entirely from State general funds that may be counted toward any federal maintenance of effort requirement;
(ii)    pays temporary cash assistance to a family that is exempted under item (1) of this subsection but cannot receive federal funds because of federal limitations; and
(iii)    is subject to all FIP requirements under this subtitle.
(c)    The provisions of this section are subject to federal law and regulation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Family Investment Program › Section 5-315 - Ssi Benefits; Reasonable Subsistence; Medicaid Eligibility

(a)    Subsections (b) and (c) of this section are not intended to create an incentive for individuals to seek temporary cash assistance benefits instead of employment.
(b)    In determining a family’s eligibility for the FIP, the local department shall exclude Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits provided to an adult or child family member.
(c)    Except as limited by federal requirements, the level of temporary cash assistance, as determined by a local department, shall:
(1)    be determined with due regard to the available resources, necessary expenditures, and specific conditions of a family; and
(2)    be sufficient, when added to all other income and support available to the child, to provide a child with a reasonable subsistence compatible with decency and health.
(d)    A recipient who obtains employment remains eligible for medical assistance for up to 12 months after the date of employment.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Family Investment Program › Section 5-317 - Demonstration Projects

(a)    (1)    The Secretary shall establish demonstration projects through grants to:
(i)    nonprofit organizations;
(ii)    local education agencies;
(iii)    local management boards;
(iv)    local health departments;
(v)    religious organizations; and
(vi)    institutions of higher education.
(2)    The entities listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall jointly develop proposals for demonstration projects under this section with local departments.
(3)    At least one of the demonstration projects under this section shall be located in a county other than the two counties with the largest numbers of FIP recipients.
(b)    (1)    The Secretary shall award grants for demonstration projects under this section through a competitive bid process that includes:
(i)    the issuance of a request for proposals; and
(ii)    the establishment of an evaluation panel to review competing proposals and to make a recommendation to the Secretary concerning which proposals have the greatest programmatic and financial merit.
(2)    (i)    Not more than 50% of the funds allocated for demonstration projects under this section may be allocated to a single demonstration project.
(ii)    The funds allocated for demonstration projects under this section are incentive funds over and above any transfer of FIP benefits to a third party payee.
(3)    Funds allocable to demonstration projects under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall, if feasible, be used for demonstration projects in the counties that generated the savings reallocated to demonstration projects under § 5-316(e) of this subtitle.
(4)    When awarding grants under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority in funding for at least 20% of the funds allocated to demonstration projects under this section to regional proposals from two or more counties in the State.
(5)    Funds allocated to demonstration projects under this section may not be used in the furtherance of sectarian religious instruction or worship.
(c)    In the request for proposals issued under subsection (b)(1)(i) of this section, the Secretary shall include requirements that:
(1)    applicants specify what goods or services, or both, they will provide to participants; and
(2)    each demonstration project:
(i)    complement the local department FIP Plan; and
(ii)    address specific, unmet local needs and barriers that prevent families from meeting the requirements of this subtitle.
(d)    In addition to the demonstration projects funded under subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary shall encourage and facilitate demonstration projects that are supported through:
(1)    the voluntary transfer of temporary cash assistance and food stamp benefits to the demonstration project;
(2)    the transfer of administrative costs from the local department; and
(3)    any nonstate funds available to the project.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Family Investment Program › Section 5-319 - Fip Demonstration Sites

(a)    In this section, “demonstration site” means a site that the Secretary selects in consultation with the local director.
(b)    The Secretary may establish a FIP demonstration site in not more than six jurisdictions.
(c)    Notwithstanding any other law, the local director shall appoint a director of the FIP established in a demonstration site who shall report directly to the local director.
(d)    Notwithstanding any other law, the Secretary has sole authority to approve demonstration site plans that will govern FIP functions in a demonstration site, including the authority to approve demonstration site plans that will:
(1)    assist families that have an employable parent toward a lasting exit from temporary cash assistance;
(2)    ensure that individuals and families receive appropriate benefits;
(3)    reduce errors in the administration of FIP;
(4)    place temporary cash assistance recipients in employment in which their earnings will likely increase; and
(5)    improve the types of employment and employment retention rates of existing and former recipients.
(e)    The local director shall:
(1)    develop a demonstration site plan for submittal to the Secretary for approval that will detail its:
(i)    programmatic structure, including any programmatic changes;
(ii)    organizational structure, including any organizational changes;
(iii)    pay incentive structure and criteria for the award of pay incentives;
(iv)    measurable performance criteria and how these relate to the incentive structure; and
(v)    target performance criteria;
(2)    implement the plan as approved; and
(3)    report to the Department on the progress achieved in the demonstration site.
(f)    The proper operation of the demonstration site and the achievement of the target performance criteria shall be an element of the local director’s performance evaluation.
(g)    The Secretary shall establish a performance incentive program to provide pay incentives for employees in a demonstration site.
(h)    The Secretary’s powers under this section shall be construed liberally.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Family Investment Program › Section 5-320 - Mentoring Program

(a)    In cooperation with local directors, the Secretary shall establish a mentoring program for former recipients.
(b)    (1)    The mentoring program may include FIP caseworkers in local departments who volunteer to be mentors.
(2)    The Department may contract with other entities under § 5-306 of this subtitle to acquire mentors for former recipients.
(c)    Mentoring may include:
(1)    providing assistance to resolve workplace problems;
(2)    providing workplace adjustment assistance;
(3)    job coaching;
(4)    providing assistance to develop life skills;
(5)    counseling and tutoring; and
(6)    any other activities that will help former recipients through the first months that they no longer receive temporary cash assistance.
(d)    To be eligible to participate in the mentoring program, an individual shall:
(1)    have been a recipient in the previous 6 months;
(2)    have been employed; and
(3)    have a demonstrated need and desire for assistance in acquiring and maintaining the skills necessary for a lasting exit from temporary cash assistance.
(e)    Program participation may not exceed 6 months.
(f)    The Secretary may arrange to provide pay or other types of incentives to employees who volunteer to mentor former recipients.
(g)    The Secretary’s powers under this section shall be construed liberally.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Family Investment Program › Section 5-323 - Review of Family Investment Program by Outside Consultant -- Assessment Areas -- Annual Reports on Plans and Progress

(a)    The Department shall hire an outside consultant to conduct a review of FIP to assess the extent to which FIP is:
(1)    implementing policies equitably; and
(2)    employing best practices to achieve the best outcomes possible for children and their parents, including by considering that many FIP recipients are experiencing or have experienced significant trauma.
(b)    The consultant hired under this section shall demonstrate knowledge of the federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families programs.
(c)    At a minimum, the review conducted under this section should include an assessment of the following:
(1)    program design, including core beliefs, goals, objectives, service delivery model, regulations, program rules, and performance measures;
(2)    contract design and execution, including:
(i)    payment structure;
(ii)    incentives; and
(iii)    service delivery approach and performance with a focus on placement in high–quality jobs with wages that meet or exceed 150% of the State minimum wage;
(3)    program outcomes that, to the extent practicable, are disaggregated by race and ethnicity;
(4)    an examination of how the State’s use of unpaid work experience compares to other states and alternative program options;
(5)    documentation of innovative and evidence–based practices being implemented in other states; and
(6)    all assessment tools used by the Department under § 5–309(a)(1) of this subtitle with a focus on recommending changes needed for the assessment to be conducted in a manner that is:
(i)    trauma–informed;
(ii)    antiracist; and
(iii)    individualized, empowering, and client–centered.
(d)    To receive meaningful input on FIP in accordance with the review conducted under this section, including recommendations on methods to strengthen FIP, the Department shall consult:
(1)    stakeholders, including current and former recipients;
(2)    community–based organizations; and
(3)    other interested parties.
(e)    The review conducted under this section shall:
(1)    include a summary of:
(i)    the strengths and weaknesses of FIP;
(ii)    recommendations for improving FIP; and
(iii)    any necessary legislative or administrative changes to make the improvements; and
(2)    (i)    on or before October 1, 2024, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, be submitted to the General Assembly; and
(ii)    be published on the Department’s website.
(f)    Until the Department has fully implemented to the extent practicable, the recommendations of the final review submitted under subsection (e) of this section, beginning in calendar year 2024 and each year thereafter, the Department shall report, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee on the plans and progress for implementing the recommendations made in the review.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 4 - State Public Assistance Programs › Part I - Public Assistance to Adults › Section 5-401 - Definitions

(a)    In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Applicant” means an individual who applies for assistance under this part.
(c)    “Assistance” means:
(1)    cash payments to a recipient; and
(2)    payments necessary for supplementary services for a recipient, including:
(i)    the recipient’s funeral expenses as provided in § 5-415 of this subtitle; and
(ii)    placement of the recipient in a suitable home or institution if:
1.    the recipient lacks a legal guardian or other person legally responsible for the recipient’s support; and
2.    the recipient consents.
(d)    “Program” means the Public Assistance to Adults Program.
(e)    “Recipient” means an individual who receives, or has received, assistance under this part.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 4 - State Public Assistance Programs › Part I - Public Assistance to Adults › Section 5-402 - Public Assistance to Adults Program

(a)    There is a State funded Public Assistance to Adults Program in the Administration.
(b)    The Program shall be:
(1)    in effect in each county; and
(2)    administered by the local departments in accordance with regulations that the Administration adopts.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 4 - State Public Assistance Programs › Part I - Public Assistance to Adults › Section 5-403 - Eligibility for Assistance

(a)    A resident of the State is eligible for assistance under this part if the resident:
(1)    lacks sufficient income or benefits to maintain a reasonable subsistence compatible with decency and health; and
(2)    (i)    is eligible for or receives cash benefits under Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act; or
(ii)    is aged, blind, or disabled as defined under Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act and, but for income, would receive cash benefits under that title.
(b)    An applicant may not assign or transfer property to establish eligibility for assistance under this part during the 3 years before:
(1)    filing an application for assistance; or
(2)    receiving assistance.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 4 - State Public Assistance Programs › Part I - Public Assistance to Adults › Section 5-404 - Application for Assistance

(a)    An application for assistance under this part shall be made:
(1)    to the local department of the county where the applicant resides; and
(2)    in the form and manner that the Administration requires.
(b)    Whenever a local department receives an application for assistance under this part, the local department shall make a record of:
(1)    the circumstances of the applicant;
(2)    the facts supporting the application; and
(3)    any other information that the Administration requires by regulation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 4 - State Public Assistance Programs › Part I - Public Assistance to Adults › Section 5-405 - Amount of Assistance

(a)    (1)    The local department shall determine an amount of assistance that is sufficient, when added to all other income and support available to a recipient, to provide the recipient with a reasonable subsistence compatible with decency and health.
(2)    In determining the amount of assistance, the local department shall consider the recipient’s available resources and necessary expenditures and the conditions existing for the recipient.
(b)    In determining the amount of assistance, the local department shall consider support from children as a potential resource and evaluate the amount of the support and its availability to the recipient, in accordance with regulations that the Administration adopts.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 4 - State Public Assistance Programs › Part I - Public Assistance to Adults › Section 5-406 - Granting of Assistance

(a)    The local department shall:
(1)    determine:
(i)    whether an applicant is eligible for assistance under this part; and
(ii)    in accordance with regulations that the Administration adopts, the amount of the assistance and the date on which the assistance will begin; and
(2)    notify the applicant of its decision.
(b)    Assistance shall be paid to the applicant monthly or as the Administration otherwise determines.
(c)    If the funds available are insufficient to make payments in accordance with the amount of assistance established to be needed, the Administration shall adopt regulations to provide for a uniform method of adjusting individual payments.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 4 - State Public Assistance Programs › Part I - Public Assistance to Adults › Section 5-407 - Restrictions on Assistance

(a)    (1)    Assistance granted under this part may not be transferred or assigned.
(2)    Assistance paid or payable under this part is not subject to:
(i)    execution;
(ii)    levy;
(iii)    attachment;
(iv)    garnishment;
(v)    other legal process; or
(vi)    the operation of any bankruptcy or insolvency law.
(b)    (1)    The local department shall reconsider all assistance granted under this part as frequently as the regulations of the Administration require.
(2)    The amount of assistance may be changed or assistance may be canceled if, after any further investigation the local department considers necessary or the Administration requires, the local department or the Administration finds that the recipient’s circumstances have altered sufficiently to warrant the change or cancellation.
(c)    (1)    A recipient shall notify the local department immediately if, while receiving assistance, the recipient receives property or income in excess of the amount stated in the application for assistance.
(2)    After an investigation, depending on the circumstances, the local department may:
(i)    cancel the assistance; or
(ii)    change the amount of assistance.
(3)    Assistance paid before the recipient received the property or income that exceeds the recipient’s need may be recovered by the local department as a debt due.
(4)    The net amount recovered shall be divided between the State and county in proportion to the amount of assistance paid by each.
(d)    (1)    When a recipient dies:
(i)    the total amount of assistance paid under this part shall be allowed as a claim against the estate; and
(ii)    the net amount recovered shall be divided between the State and county in proportion to the amount of assistance paid by each.
(2)    The claim may not be enforced against real estate occupied by the recipient’s surviving spouse or dependents.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 4 - State Public Assistance Programs › Part I - Public Assistance to Adults › Section 5-408 - Appeals; Review and Oversight of Local Departments by Administration

(a)    An applicant or recipient may appeal to the Administration if the local department:
(1)    does not act on an application within a reasonable time;
(2)    denies an application wholly or partly; or
(3)    modifies or cancels a grant of assistance.
(b)    (1)    The appeal shall be filed in the manner and form that the Administration requires.
(2)    The Administration shall give the applicant or recipient reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing on the appeal.
(c)    (1)    On its own motion, the Administration may:
(i)    review any decision of a local department; and
(ii)    consider an application on which the local department has not made a decision within a reasonable time.
(2)    The Administration:
(i)    may make any additional investigation it considers necessary; and
(ii)    shall make any decision on the granting of assistance and the amount of assistance it considers justified in accordance with this part.
(3)    On request, the Administration shall give an applicant or recipient affected by a decision made under paragraph (2) of this subsection reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing.
(d)    (1)    A decision of the Administration under this section is final and binding on the local department.
(2)    The local department shall comply with a decision of the Administration under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 4 - State Public Assistance Programs › Part I - Public Assistance to Adults › Section 5-409 - Duties of Administration

The Administration shall:
(1)    supervise the administration of the Program under this part by the local departments;
(2)    adopt regulations necessary or desirable to carry out this part, including regulations to:
(i)    establish eligibility requirements and any other requirements not set forth in this part; and
(ii)    establish standards for the amount of assistance a recipient may receive under this part;
(3)    prescribe the form of and supply to the local departments any forms the Administration considers necessary and desirable; and
(4)    take any other action necessary or desirable to carry out this part.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 4 - State Public Assistance Programs › Part I - Public Assistance to Adults › Section 5-411 - Prohibited Act

(a)    Except in connection with a criminal proceeding brought under this part, a person may not charge or receive a fee from an applicant, recipient, or any other person:
(1)    with respect to an application under this part; or
(2)    to represent an applicant or recipient in any proceeding under this part.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.