reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 2 - Department of Housing and Community Development › Subtitle 3 - Miscellaneous Requirements › Section 2-301 - General Consideration

On or before December 1, 2019, and each December 1 thereafter, the Department shall submit a report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on:
(1)    with respect to financial assistance provided under Title 4, Subtitle 2 of this article:
(i)    the number of projects that qualified as business projects under § 4–223 of this article;
(ii)    the location of each business project, including whether the business project is located:
1.    in an area designated as a priority funding area under § 5–7B–02 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; or
2.    only in a qualified opportunity zone designated under § 1400Z–1 of the Internal Revenue Code; and
(iii)    the amount of grants or loans provided for the development of each business project;
(2)    with respect to the Strategic Demolition and Smart Growth Impact Fund established under § 4–508 of this article:
(i)    the number and amount of grants and loans provided to government agencies and community development organizations during the immediately preceding fiscal year; and
(ii)    the location of each revitalization project for which a grant or loan was provided, including whether the revitalization project is located:
1.    in an area designated as a Sustainable Community; or
2.    only in a qualified opportunity zone designated under § 1400Z–1 of the Internal Revenue Code;
(3)    with respect to the Community Legacy Program established under Title 6, Subtitle 2 of this article:
(i)    the location of each community legacy project, including whether the community legacy project is located:
1.    in a sustainable community; or
2.    only in an eligible opportunity zone; and
(ii)    the amount of financial assistance provided for each community legacy project; and
(4)    with respect to the Business Development Program established under Title 6, Subtitle 3 of this article:
(i)    the names of approved entities awarded financial assistance under that program;
(ii)    the location of the approved entity’s operation, including whether the approved entity’s operation is located:
1.    in a priority funding area; or
2.    only in an eligible opportunity zone; and
(iii)    the amount of each financial assistance award.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 2 - Department of Housing and Community Development › Subtitle 3 - Miscellaneous Requirements › Section 2-302 - Reports Required on Efforts to Promote Fair Housing Choice and Racial and Economic Housing Integration

(a)    On or before December 1, 2023, and on or before December 1 every 5 years thereafter, the Department, in consultation with political subdivisions and housing authorities, shall submit a report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on:
(1)    the efforts by the State, political subdivisions, and housing authorities to promote fair housing choice and racial and economic housing integration, and the results of those efforts, delineated by county; and
(2)    any assessment of fair housing required under § 3–114(d)(2) of the Land Use Article completed since the most recent report required under this subsection, including any assessment of fair housing completed or revised under the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s most recently published Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Rule.
(b)    The report required under subsection (a) of this section shall provide an update on the actions being taken by local jurisdictions to affirmatively further fair housing.
(c)    The Department shall work in partnership with each local jurisdiction to jointly develop and complete a template to capture data in the jurisdiction related to affirmatively furthering fair housing.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 2 - Department of Housing and Community Development › Subtitle 4 - Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing › Section 2-401 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Affirmatively further fair housing” means to take meaningful actions, in addition to actions aimed at combating discrimination, to:
(i)    overcome patterns of segregation; and
(ii)    foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to housing and opportunity based on protected characteristics.
(2)    “Affirmatively further fair housing” includes to take meaningful actions that, taken together:
(i)    address significant disparities in housing needs and access to opportunity;
(ii)    replace segregated living patterns with truly integrated and balanced living patterns;
(iii)    transform racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty into areas of opportunity; and
(iv)    foster and maintain compliance with civil rights and fair housing laws.
(c)    “Meaningful action” means a significant action that is designed and can be reasonably expected to achieve a material positive change by, for example, increasing fair housing choice or decreasing disparities in access to opportunity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 2 - Department of Housing and Community Development › Subtitle 4 - Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing › Section 2-402 - Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing by Political Subdivisions

(a)    The Department:
(1)    shall administer its programs and activities related to housing and community development to affirmatively further fair housing;
(2)    shall explore ways to ensure it is collaborating with and supporting nonprofit and governmental entities devoted to furthering fair housing; and
(3)    may not take any action that is materially inconsistent with the obligation to affirmatively further fair housing.
(b)    (1)    The Department shall require political subdivisions and housing authorities to affirmatively further fair housing.
(2)    To ensure that political subdivisions and housing authorities affirmatively further fair housing, the Department shall, in accordance with § 3–114(d)(2) of the Land Use Article, require a political subdivision or housing authority to submit an assessment of fair housing to the Department as part of the housing element of a comprehensive plan.
(c)    This section does not:
(1)    require a political subdivision or housing authority to take a specific action to affirmatively further fair housing; or
(2)    prohibit a political subdivision or housing authority from taking a specific action to affirmatively further fair housing.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 3 - Division of Credit Assurance › Subtitle 2 - Maryland Housing Fund › Section 3-201 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Business project” has the meaning stated in § 4–201 of this article.
(c)    “Credit enhancement” means a guarantee, including a guarantee of an obligation backed by a pool of mortgages, or other assurance or security device issued to:
(1)    improve the credit of a qualified borrowing entity; or
(2)    upgrade the security or rating of a financial obligation, including:
(i)    a mortgage backed security;
(ii)    a certificate of participation; and
(iii)    a bond or note issued to finance a development activity described in this subtitle.
(d)    “Energy conservation project” has the meaning stated in § 4–201 of this article.
(e)    “Financing” includes acquisition financing, permanent financing, short–term bridge financing, construction financing, and refinancing of a loan or project authorized under this subtitle.
(f)    “Fund” means the Maryland Housing Fund.
(g)    “Housing” includes:
(1)    a single dwelling unit;
(2)    a multiple dwelling unit;
(3)    an accessory unit residential facility;
(4)    a shared–living unit facility, accommodating at least two individuals or families, in which some or all of the living, dining, kitchen, or sanitary facilities are shared; and
(5)    an ancillary commercial or other facility that is related to, incidental to, and supportive of the housing.
(h)    “Infrastructure project” has the meaning stated in § 4–201 of this article.
(i)    “Mortgage” includes:
(1)    a deed of trust, a security agreement, and a pledge; and
(2)    any other security arrangement securing a loan, including a mortgage, to finance:
(i)    the purchase of stock or membership in a cooperative ownership housing corporation; or
(ii)    the construction or rehabilitation of dwelling units in a cooperative ownership housing corporation.
(j)    “Public purpose project” has the meaning stated in § 4–201 of this article.
(k)    “Solar energy project” has the meaning stated in § 4–201 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 3 - Division of Credit Assurance › Subtitle 2 - Maryland Housing Fund › Section 3-202 - Findings

(a)    (1)    The General Assembly finds that:
(i)    the flow of private investment capital into businesses and adequate housing can be stimulated by a system insuring qualified lending institutions against losses resulting from nonpayment of money owed under the terms of a note, bond, or other evidence of indebtedness; and
(ii)    the insurance can help State and local activity to finance businesses, housing, and rehabilitation.
(2)    The General Assembly also finds that adequate housing can and should be provided by private capital under our free enterprise system and in accordance with sound investment practices.
(3)    The General Assembly finds as a subject of concern that:
(i)    many residents of the State are living in substandard housing; and
(ii)    there is a shortage of housing at reasonable costs for various income levels.
(b)    The General Assembly finds that it is in the public interest to promote energy conservation projects and solar energy projects by providing insurance for:
(1)    loans made by qualified lending institutions; and
(2)    bonds or notes issued to finance the projects.
(c)    The General Assembly finds that the sale of pooled mortgages or securities backed by mortgages to private or public investors, including public and private pension funds, is in the public interest and could increase the investment capital available to make mortgage loans to:
(1)    acquire, construct, and rehabilitate housing; and
(2)    acquire, operate, construct, and rehabilitate businesses.
(d)    (1)    In this subsection, “distressed area” has the meaning stated in § 4–201 of this article.
(2)    The General Assembly finds that it is in the public interest to encourage the financing of, and otherwise to support, the planning, acquisition, development, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, repair, renovation, and other improvement of:
(i)    public purpose projects in distressed areas in the State; and
(ii)    infrastructure projects.
(e)    The General Assembly finds that the flow of public and private capital to support the activities specified in this section will be encouraged and expanded by:
(1)    insuring:
(i)    loans made by qualified lending institutions;
(ii)    bonds or notes issued by qualified issuers; and
(iii)    obligations backed by mortgages; and
(2)    providing other credit enhancements.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 3 - Division of Credit Assurance › Subtitle 2 - Maryland Housing Fund › Section 3-203 - Maryland Housing Fund

(a)    There is a Maryland Housing Fund.
(b)    The Fund shall further the State interests expressed in § 3-202 of this subtitle.
(c)    The Department shall manage and supervise the Fund.
(d)    (1)    The Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing special fund that is not subject to § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2)    The Department shall deposit money for the Fund with the State Treasurer.
(3)    The money shall be held in the financial institutions that the State Treasurer considers proper and shall be accounted for by the Comptroller in a special account known as the “Maryland Housing Fund”.
(4)    All premium and fee income shall be credited to the Fund to operate the Fund and to provide additional insurance, guarantees, and credit enhancement.
(e)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    money appropriated by the State to the Fund;
(2)    proceeds of any State loan to the extent provided by the General Assembly or any governmental unit authorized to issue bonds for the Fund;
(3)    fees and premiums that the Department receives in connection with insurance or other credit enhancement provided by the Fund; and
(4)    all other money made available to the Department from any source for the purposes set forth in this subtitle.
(f)    Money in the Fund shall be invested in the same manner as other State money.
(g)    (1)    Money in the Fund shall be used to:
(i)    insure loans that the Department accepts under this subtitle;
(ii)    insure bonds or notes issued to finance a project that is eligible for insurance under this subtitle; and
(iii)    provide other forms of credit enhancement under this subtitle.
(2)    Money in the Fund that by agreement, contract, secretarial determination, or regulation has been created as an identifiable insurance or credit reserve may be used only in conformance with the terms and conditions creating the reserve.
(h)    The Secretary may transfer to any reserve:
(1)    operational money;
(2)    earnings not yet allocated to a particular reserve;
(3)    State appropriated money;
(4)    proceeds of State general obligation bonds; or
(5)    other money received and not allocated to a particular reserve.
(i)    (1)    Beginning in fiscal year 2010, if the balance of the unallocated reserve of the Fund at the end of any fiscal year exceeds $10,000,000, the excess over $10,000,000 shall be transferred by the Governor to the:
(i)    Homeownership Programs Fund established under § 4–502 of this article;
(ii)    Rental Housing Programs Fund established under § 4–504 of this article; and
(iii)    Special Loan Programs Fund established under § 4–505 of this article.
(2)    The distribution of any money transferred from the Fund to the Homeownership Programs Fund, the Rental Housing Programs Fund, and the Special Loan Programs Fund shall be at the discretion of the Secretary.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 3 - Division of Credit Assurance › Subtitle 2 - Maryland Housing Fund › Section 3-204 - Insurance, Guarantees, and Other Credit Enhancements

Insurance, a guarantee, or other credit enhancement provided under this subtitle:
(1)    does not pledge the faith, credit, or taxing power of the State or the Department; and
(2)    is payable only to the extent of the reserve or other identified money backing the insurance, guarantee, or credit enhancement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 3 - Division of Credit Assurance › Subtitle 2 - Maryland Housing Fund › Section 3-205 - Powers of Department

(a)    In this section, “development costs” has the meaning stated in § 4-201 of this article.
(b)    The Department, in its own name or in the name of the Fund:
(1)    may insure or guarantee on terms that it specifies a mortgage or pool of mortgages offered or bonds or notes issued that are eligible for insurance under § 3-202 of this subtitle;
(2)    may insure a total of not more than $30,000,000 of bridge loans that are:
(i)    made for part of the development costs of rental housing projects that are awarded federal low income housing tax credits; and
(ii)    secured by personal rather than real property;
(3)    may provide other forms of credit enhancement on terms that it specifies for qualified lenders and borrowers who otherwise cannot get credit enhancement in the private market;
(4)    may issue obligations in any form backed by a pool of mortgages, including:
(i)    securities;
(ii)    certificates of participation;
(iii)    grantor trusts;
(iv)    collateralized mortgage obligations; and
(v)    pass-through certificates;
(5)    notwithstanding Titles 10 through 17 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, after a default under an obligation that is insured or otherwise backed by a credit enhancement under this subtitle, may acquire, hold, improve, operate pending sale or other disposition, sell, assign, exchange, transfer, convey, lease, mortgage, or otherwise dispose of or encumber:
(i)    real property or an interest in real property;
(ii)    personal property or an interest in personal property; or
(iii)    evidence of indebtedness, including:
1.    pass-through certificates;
2.    residual interests; and
3.    other securities backed by real estate or a mortgage; and
(6)    in connection with a property, whether or not insured by the Fund, acquired by the Department or the Fund through foreclosure, through deed in lieu of foreclosure, or in settlement for a claim for loss:
(i)    may contract with a private party for services to secure, maintain, operate, or improve the property in anticipation of disposition of the property, without requiring that the contract comply with Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article; or
(ii)    may make a mortgage loan to assist in the disposition of the property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 3 - Division of Credit Assurance › Subtitle 2 - Maryland Housing Fund › Section 3-206 - Eligibility Standards for Insurance and Credit Enhancements

(a)    In offering insurance and other forms of credit enhancement, the Department shall adopt eligibility standards that are reasonable to aid in:
(1)    financing the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of:
(i)    housing projects;
(ii)    special housing facility projects, consisting of the acquisition, rehabilitation, improvement, renovation, construction, financing, or refinancing of a building that:
1.    provides common, shared, or independent living, dining, kitchen, sanitary, and sleeping facilities;
2.    may include supportive services or supervisory live–in personnel for individuals with specialized housing needs; and
3.    may include nonresidential facilities to serve individuals with special needs who may or may not be residents of the special housing facility;
(iii)    rehabilitation projects, as defined in § 4–901 of this article;
(iv)    energy conservation projects;
(v)    solar energy projects;
(vi)    public purpose projects;
(vii)    infrastructure projects; or
(viii)    business projects; and
(2)    the sale or other transfer of an obligation that is:
(i)    denoted as a bond, note, collateralized obligation, grantor trust, conduit, or other form of security or obligation; and
(ii)    backed directly or indirectly by a mortgage or a payment derived from a mortgage.
(b)    The standards adopted under subsection (a) of this section shall ensure that a lender benefiting from insurance or other credit enhancement provided by the Department is responsible and able to service the loan.
(c)    A determination by the Secretary is conclusive if it relates to the eligibility of a project, facility, or undertaking for:
(1)    insurance or other credit enhancement; or
(2)    other action taken by the Department, in its own name or in the name of the Fund, under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 3 - Division of Credit Assurance › Subtitle 2 - Maryland Housing Fund › Section 3-207 - Regulations and Reports

(a)    The Department shall adopt regulations that are necessary to carry out the purpose of this subtitle.
(b)    (1)    Annually, on or before December 1, the Department shall make a written report to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on the financial status of the Fund and its operations for the preceding fiscal year.
(2)    The report shall include the types and amount of:
(i)    insurance reserves;
(ii)    insurance issued;
(iii)    premiums charged; and
(iv)    claims made.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 1 - Division Established; Units in Division › Section 4-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Administration” means the Community Development Administration.
(c)    “Division” means the Division of Development Finance.
(d)    “Elderly household” means one or more individuals who occupy a residential dwelling unit, at least one of whom meets the age limit specified by the Secretary that:
(1)    is greater than or equal to age 55; and
(2)    may vary for different programs or types of projects.
(e)    “Nonprofit sponsor” means a sponsor that is:
(1)    a nonprofit organization; or
(2)    a limited partnership, if:
(i)    1.    each general partner is a nonprofit organization; or
2.    each general partner is a wholly owned subsidiary of a nonprofit organization;
(ii)    the limited partnership is formed to undertake a project that is eligible as a whole or in part for a federal program or incentive, including low–income housing tax credits; and
(iii)    a nonprofit organization manages the project or will receive the net cash flow or residual sale proceeds on the sale of the project.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 1 - Division Established; Units in Division › Section 4-103 - Units in Division

The Division includes:
(1)    the Community Development Administration;
(2)    the Disaster Relief Housing Program;
(3)    the Down Payment and Settlement Expense Loan Program;
(4)    federal and State weatherization programs;
(5)    the Group Home Financing Program;
(6)    the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program;
(7)    the Lead Hazard Reduction Loan Program;
(8)    the local government infrastructure program;
(9)    the Maryland Home Financing Program;
(10)    the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program;
(11)    the Neighborhood Housing Services Fund;
(12)    the Operating Assistance Grants Demonstration Projects;
(13)    the Partnership Rental Housing Program;
(14)    the Radium Grant Program;
(15)    the Rental Allowance Program and other rental assistance programs;
(16)    the Rental Housing Program; and
(17)    the Self–Help Homeownership Technical Assistance Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part I - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-202 - Findings

The General Assembly finds that:
(1)    in this era of rapid population growth and expansion and of increasing urbanization, there is a need in many areas of the State to promote sound community development;
(2)    the political subdivisions do not have adequate resources to deal effectively with all of the problems of sound community development, and the ordinary operations of private enterprise cannot deal with them without State assistance;
(3)    there is a need to coordinate and concentrate federal, State, regional, and local public and private community development efforts and resources;
(4)    there is a shortage of adequate, safe, and sanitary housing for families of limited income, and increasing the housing supply for families of limited income will ease the shortage and promote sound community development;
(5)    increasing opportunities for homeownership is desirable and promotes sound community development;
(6)    reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of solar energy by providing financial assistance to encourage energy conservation and solar energy improvements to residential buildings and commercial buildings promote sound community development and the public interest;
(7)    the public infrastructure maintained by political subdivisions, including streets, sidewalks, curbs, sewer and water systems, bridges, and public buildings, needs rehabilitation and construction;
(8)    the resources necessary for financing infrastructure projects have become scarcer in recent years;
(9)    providing an additional, accessible, and uncomplicated mechanism to finance infrastructure projects promotes sound community development, is vital to a strong economy, improves the quality of the environment, and otherwise promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the State;
(10)    promoting sound community development is a proper public purpose and State use, for which public money may be spent and property may be acquired; and
(11)    the functions and responsibilities of the Administration set forth in this subtitle are necessary to achieve the ends listed in this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part I - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-203 - Program for Teachers

(a)    To attract and retain teachers in the State by increasing homeownership opportunities, the General Assembly finds that there is a need to authorize the Department to develop a program to dedicate up to $25,000,000 over 5 years to provide mortgage loans to teachers at interest rates below the prevailing interest rate for similar programs.
(b)    (1)    A mortgage loan under this section shall be available to a teacher who is a first–time home buyer.
(2)    The loan shall be conditioned on an agreement by the teacher to teach in the State for at least 3 years if work is available for the teacher.
(3)    The loan shall be used to purchase property in a priority funding area as defined in §§ 5–7B–02 and 5–7B–03 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(c)    The Administration shall develop the program in consultation with:
(1)    the State Department of Education, to ensure that the program is consistent with the State’s strategy to attract and retain teachers; and
(2)    local boards of education, to ensure that the program is properly marketed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part I - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-205 - Purpose of Administration

The Administration is created to:
(1)    coordinate activities and programs that contribute to sound community development;
(2)    encourage and facilitate the development of new and existing communities by reducing the costs of development through grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance;
(3)    encourage and facilitate energy conservation and the use of solar energy in residential buildings and commercial buildings through grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance;
(4)    make land available for sound community development; and
(5)    assist the efforts of private enterprise, political subdivisions, local public agencies, local development entities, and nonprofit organizations.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part I - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-206 - Limitation on Grants

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a grant of land or money may be made only to a political subdivision, a local development entity, a local development agency, or a nonprofit organization.
(b)    (1)    This section does not apply to grants that may be awarded to the Administration under federal law.
(2)    The Administration may award grants to home buyers for settlement expenses as provided by the Department under this title.
(3)    The Administration may award grants under § 4–235(b)(1)(ii) of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part I - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-207 - Director

(a)    With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary shall appoint the Director.
(b)    The Director serves at the pleasure of the Secretary.
(c)    The position of Director is in the executive service or management service of the State Personnel Management System.
(d)    The Director shall operate and exercise the powers of the Administration under the direction of the Secretary and in accordance with this subtitle.
(e)    The Director is entitled to:
(1)    compensation as provided in the State budget; and
(2)    reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations as provided in the State budget.
(f)    The Director shall have a staff and professional consultants as provided in the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part I - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-208 - Housing Finance Review Committee

(a)    There is a Housing Finance Review Committee.
(b)    The Housing Finance Review Committee consists of seven members appointed by the Governor on recommendation of the Secretary as follows:
(1)    three employees of the Department, one of whom may be the Secretary;
(2)    one employee of the Executive Branch of State government who is not employed by the Department; and
(3)    three members of the public.
(c)    (1)    The term of a public member is 4 years and begins on July 1.
(2)    At the end of a term, a public member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(3)    A public member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(d)    (1)    The Housing Finance Review Committee shall review and make recommendations to the Secretary about:
(i)    specific loan requests or categories of loan requests; and
(ii)    the investment and project financing policies of the Administration.
(2)    The Secretary may approve a specific loan request without a recommendation of the Housing Finance Review Committee if the request requires urgent action.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part II - Powers and Duties of Administration › Section 4-212 - Determination of Families of Limited Income

(a)    In establishing the upper income limits for a family of limited income, the Secretary shall consider factors including:
(1)    the income of the family available for housing;
(2)    the size of the family;
(3)    the cost and condition of available housing;
(4)    the ability of the family to compete in the private housing market; and
(5)    standards and definitions established for federal housing programs.
(b)    The limits established under subsection (a) of this section may vary for different:
(1)    types of housing;
(2)    programs of the Administration; and
(3)    areas of the State.
(c)    A limit established under subsection (a) of this section may be supplemented for a particular project.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part II - Powers and Duties of Administration › Section 4-214 - Eminent Domain

The Administration has the power of eminent domain, but may not exercise it in a political subdivision without the consent of the political subdivision given by ordinance of its governing body for a specific community development project.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part II - Powers and Duties of Administration › Section 4-215 - "Live Near Your Work" Program

(a)    The Administration shall administer a home buyer assistance program that:
(1)    assists home buyers to receive low–interest mortgage loans, with down payment and closing cost assistance options, for the purchase of homes near their place of employment; and
(2)    coordinates with, and matches where appropriate, similar programs offered by private employers and county and municipal governments so as to maximize the total amount that home buyers can receive under the program.
(b)    With reference to loans under this program, the Administration shall:
(1)    allow home buyers to utilize the loans for the purchase of newly constructed or existing homes; and
(2)    require a home purchased under this program to be occupied by the home buyer as a principal residence.
(c)    The Administration shall facilitate the marketing of the program with private employers and county and municipal governments, and, where appropriate, other units of State government and nonprofit organizations.
(d)    The Administration shall adopt regulations to implement the program established under this section.
(e)    The Department shall report to the General Assembly on or before December 31 each year, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the program established under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part II - Powers and Duties of Administration › Section 4-215.1 - Home Buyer Assistance Program -- Loans -- Marketing of Program -- Regulations -- Annual Report. [Effective Until October 1, 2024]

// EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 PER CHAPTER 247 OF 2021 //
(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Current student” means an individual who:
(i)    attends a public institution of higher education in the State; and
(ii)    is a degree–seeking, full–time equivalent student in an undergraduate level, graduate level, or professional degree program.
(3)    “Public institution of higher education” has the meaning stated in § 10–101 of the Education Article.
(4)    “Recent graduate” means an individual who, within 5 years before applying for assistance under this section, graduated from a public institution of higher education in the State with at least:
(i)    120 credits in an undergraduate level program; or
(ii)    30 credits in a graduate level or professional degree program.
(b)    The Administration may administer a home buyer assistance program that:
(1)    assists current students and recent graduates to receive low–interest mortgage loans, with down payment and closing cost assistance options, for the purchase of homes near the school attended by the student or graduate;
(2)    coordinates with, and matches where appropriate, similar programs offered by public institutions of higher education, private employers, and county and municipal governments to maximize the total amount that current students and recent graduates can receive under the program;
(3)    authorizes a public institution of higher education to provide matching funds to a home buyer who receives assistance under this section; and
(4)    utilizes available funding sources.
(c)    With reference to loans under this program, the Administration may:
(1)    allow home buyers to utilize the loans for the purchase of newly constructed or existing homes;
(2)    require a home purchased under the program to be occupied by the home buyer as a principal residence; and
(3)    utilize available funding sources.
(d)    The Administration may facilitate the marketing of the program with public institutions of higher education, private employers, county and municipal governments, and, where appropriate, other units of State government and nonprofit organizations with existing funding for the marketing of current programs of the Department, if available.
(e)    The Administration shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.
(f)    On or before December 31 each year, the Department shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the program established under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part II - Powers and Duties of Administration › Section 4-216 - Shelter and Transitional Housing Facilities Grant Program

For fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill or the capital budget bill an appropriation of $3,000,000 from general funds or the proceeds from the sale of State general obligation bonds for the Shelter and Transitional Housing Facilities Grant Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part III - Projects › Section 4-217 - Community Development Project. [Effective Until October 1, 2024]

(a)    A project, undertaking, or a part of a project or undertaking, including the real, personal, and mixed property involved, qualifies as a community development project if it is planned, acquired, owned, developed, constructed, reconstructed, rehabilitated, repaired, renovated, or improved to promote sound community development.
(b)    A community development project shall provide for:
(1)    new or existing housing:
(i)    that is or will be occupied in substantial part by families of limited income; or
(ii)    at least 20% of which is or will be occupied by families of limited income, if the project is financed with bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued by the Administration, the income from which being includable in the holder’s gross income under the Internal Revenue Code as determined by the Administration at the time of issue;
(2)    any improvements, such as streets, roads, sewer lines, and water lines that are needed to support the housing; and
(3)    the public or private commercial, educational, cultural, recreational, community, or civic facilities that are needed to support the housing.
(c)    A community development project may include public or private commercial, educational, cultural, recreational, community, or civic facilities that are not needed to support the housing, if:
(1)    they are less than a substantial part of the project; or
(2)    the Secretary finds that they will promote sound community development.
(d)    (1)    The Administration shall administer community development projects that:
(i)    are in sustainable communities approved under § 6–305 of this article; and
(ii)    provide employees with financial assistance in the form of grants to buy homes near their workplaces.
(2)    A community development project administered under this subsection is not subject to the provisions of subsection (b)(1) of this section that require part of the housing to be occupied by families of limited income.
(3)    The community development projects administered under this subsection shall be known as the “Live Near Your Work” program.
(4)    The Secretary shall adopt regulations to implement the “Live Near Your Work” program established under this subsection.
(5)    (i)    In fiscal year 2007 and fiscal year 2008, the Governor may include in the State budget $250,000 for the “Live Near Your Work” program established under this subsection.
(ii)    In fiscal year 2009 and every fiscal year thereafter, the Governor may include in the State budget no less than $250,000 and no more than $500,000 for the “Live Near Your Work” program established under this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part III - Projects › Section 4-219 - Home Improvement Project

(a)    A project or undertaking qualifies as a home improvement project if, by improvement, alteration, addition, or repair, it substantially protects or improves the basic liveability of a residential building that will be occupied in substantial part by families of limited income.
(b)    A home improvement project for a residential building that contains more than four dwelling units is subject to the provisions of this subtitle that apply to a community development project.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part III - Projects › Section 4-220 - Infrastructure Project

(a)    This section does not apply to a facility if a local obligation that finances the facility is a private activity bond under § 141 of the Internal Revenue Code, for which an allocation under § 146 of the Internal Revenue Code is required.
(b)    (1)    A project, undertaking, or facility qualifies as an infrastructure project if it is planned, acquired, owned, developed, constructed, reconstructed, rehabilitated, or improved by or on behalf of a political subdivision to provide the essential physical elements that are the basis of the public service system.
(2)    Infrastructure projects include streets, sidewalks, curbs, sewer and water systems, bridges, and public buildings that are owned by a political subdivision or a governmental unit of a political subdivision.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part III - Projects › Section 4-221 - Public Purpose Project

(a)    A project or undertaking, including the real, personal, and mixed property involved, qualifies as a public purpose project if it is planned, acquired, owned, developed, constructed, reconstructed, rehabilitated, repaired, renovated, or improved with the financial assistance of the Administration or the assistance of federal low-income housing credits authorized by the Internal Revenue Code, and it is:
(1)    eligible wholly or partly for federal low-income housing credits; or
(2)    located in a distressed area designated under subsection (e) of this section.
(b)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a public purpose project:
(1)    shall provide in substantial part for existing or new housing; and
(2)    may include:
(i)    any improvements, such as streets, roads, sewer lines, and water lines; and
(ii)    public or private commercial, educational, cultural, recreational, community, or civic facilities.
(c)    A public purpose project may include a greater proportion of public or private facilities if the Secretary determines that to do so would promote sound community development.
(d)    All or part of the housing portion of a public purpose project shall be occupied by families of limited income.
(e)    At the request of a political subdivision, the Secretary may designate a distressed area of the political subdivision after considering factors including:
(1)    the availability, cost, and condition of housing and neighborhood facilities, including the age and number of abandoned and substandard structures;
(2)    the incomes of residents relative to State or area-wide regional median incomes, including the number of individuals who are welfare recipients, unemployed, or living in poverty;
(3)    the need to finance housing or public or private facilities to upgrade the social and economic conditions of the distressed area;
(4)    the plans and financial commitment of the political subdivision to undertake improvements in the distressed area; and
(5)    other standards and criteria that the Secretary considers relevant, including standards established for other State or federal programs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part III - Projects › Section 4-222 - Solar Energy Project

(a)    A project qualifies as a solar energy project if it:
(1)    is an addition, alteration, or improvement to a residential building or a commercial building; and
(2)    is designed to reduce the energy requirements of the building by using:
(i)    wind energy;
(ii)    energy from a wood-burning appliance; or
(iii)    solar energy of:
1.    the active type based on mechanically forced energy transfer;
2.    the passive type based on convective, conductive, or radiant energy transfer; or
3.    a combination of these types.
(b)    A solar energy project may include:
(1)    a solar process heat device;
(2)    a solar electric device; and
(3)    an earth–sheltered building in which the sheltering substantially reduces the consumption of energy by the building.
(c)    A solar energy project may not include a fireplace, unless the fireplace is an integral part of a system designed to use passive solar energy.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 2 - Community Development Administration › Part III - Projects › Section 4-223 - Business Project. [Effective Until July 1, 2026]

(a)    A project qualifies as a business project if the project is:
(1)    located in:
(i)    an area designated as a priority funding area under § 5–7B–02 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; or
(ii)    a qualified opportunity zone designated under § 1400Z–1 of the Internal Revenue Code in Allegany County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Charles County, Garrett County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Somerset County, or Wicomico County; and
(2)    (i)    acquired, owned, developed, constructed, reconstructed, rehabilitated, or improved by a person or an entity for the purposes of carrying on a business whether or not for profit; or
(ii)    eligible for funding from the Neighborhood Business Development Fund under § 6–310 of this article.
(b)    Repayment of principal and interest for a business project may be secured by:
(1)    real property;
(2)    personal property;
(3)    bank accounts;
(4)    certificates of deposit, stocks, and bonds;
(5)    credit enhancement, assurance, or guaranty; or
(6)    any other collateral acceptable to the Administration.
(c)    Financial assistance for a business project may be provided as:
(1)    a loan;
(2)    a reduction in the principal obligation of or interest rate on a loan or portion of a loan;
(3)    a prepayment of interest on a subordinate or superior loan or portion of a loan;
(4)    an assurance; or
(5)    a guarantee or other form of credit enhancement.