reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 4 - State Public Assistance Programs › Part I - Public Assistance to Adults › Section 5-412 - Amendment or Repeal of Part

(a)    Any assistance granted under this part is subject to future repeal or amendment of this part.
(b)    A recipient is not entitled to compensation if the recipient’s assistance is affected by repeal or amendment of this part.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 4 - State Public Assistance Programs › Part II - Burial Assistance › Section 5-415 - Burial Assistance Program

(a)    (1)    A local department may pay the reasonable funeral expenses of a decedent who was a:
(i)    recipient of public assistance, including temporary cash assistance or public assistance to adults; or
(ii)    State resident receiving Supplemental Security Income under Title XVI of the Social Security Act.
(2)    The funeral expenses paid by the local department may not exceed $900.
(b)    A local department may not pay funeral expenses under this section unless:
(1)    each person legally responsible for the support of the decedent is unable to pay the expenses; and
(2)    other resources, including available death benefits of the estate, are insufficient to pay the expenses.
(c)    Payments provided in accordance with this section shall be charged to State funds.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5 - Food Stamps › Section 5-501 - Food Supplement Program

(a)    (1)    The Department may implement a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in accordance with the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
(2)    The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program shall include:
(i)    a Restaurant Meals Program in accordance with § 5–505 of this subtitle; and
(ii)    a Heat and Eat Program in accordance with § 5–506 of this subtitle.
(b)    The State shall bear the nonfederal portion of the administrative costs of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for each county.
(c)    Each local department shall administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program:
(1)    under the supervision and control of the Department; and
(2)    in accordance with the regulations of the Department and federal law.
(d)    If a household includes an individual who is at least 62 years old and receives a federally funded benefit in an amount less than $40 per month under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the State shall provide a supplement to increase the total benefit to $40 per month.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5 - Food Stamps › Section 5-503 - Legal Immigrants

Subject to the State budget, the Department shall provide food supplement benefits to a legal immigrant who:
(1)    is a minor;
(2)    is ineligible for federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits because of immigration status;
(3)    meets all other Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility requirements; and
(4)    meets any other requirements of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5 - Food Stamps › Section 5-504 - Prohibited Acts

(a)    A person may not sell or purchase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits unless otherwise authorized by law.
(b)    A person may not knowingly buy or sell merchandise that has been purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
(c)    If the value of the money or goods involved is $1,000 or more, a person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction:
(1)    is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both; and
(2)    shall make full restitution of the money or goods unlawfully received or perform community service, as determined by the court.
(d)    If the value of the money or goods involved is less than $1,000, a person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction:
(1)    is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and
(2)    shall make full restitution of the money or goods unlawfully received or perform community service, as determined by the court.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5 - Food Stamps › Section 5-505 - Restaurant Meals Program

(a)    In this section, “RMP” means the Restaurant Meals Program.
(b)    (1)    There is a Restaurant Meals Program within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the Department.
(2)    The purpose of the RMP is to expand food access to individuals who:
(i)    do not have a place to store and cook food;
(ii)    may not be able to prepare food; or
(iii)    do not have access to a grocery store.
(c)    A household eligible under subsection (d) of this section to participate in the RMP may purchase hot prepared foods at participating restaurants using a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit.
(d)    A household is eligible to participate in the RMP if the household is eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits under State and federal law, and the household:
(1)    lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence;
(2)    includes only individuals who are:
(i)    60 years of age or older; or
(ii)    designated disabled by a government entity;
(3)    includes only an individual and the individual’s spouse if the individual is:
(i)    60 years of age or older; or
(ii)    designated disabled by a government entity; or
(4)    includes only:
(i)    individuals who are 60 years of age or older; and
(ii)    individuals who are designated disabled by a government entity.
(e)    Before participating in the RMP, a restaurant shall:
(1)    submit an application and be approved under a process determined by the Department;
(2)    become a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provider licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and
(3)    be able to process electronic benefit transaction card payments at the point of sale.
(f)    (1)    Each local department shall administer the RMP as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program authorized under § 5–501 of this subtitle, in accordance with federal law.
(2)    The Department shall adopt regulations:
(i)    to verify household eligibility for participation in the RMP;
(ii)    to establish eligibility standards, an application process, and an approval process for restaurants to participate in the RMP; and
(iii)    otherwise necessary to carry out this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5 - Food Stamps › Section 5-506 - Heat and Eat Program -- Purpose -- Eligibility -- Regulations

(a)    In this section, “standard utility allowance” means a Maryland Energy Assistance Program payment to a household that is at least $21 per year.
(b)    (1)    There is a Heat and Eat Program within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the Department.
(2)    The purpose of the Heat and Eat Program is to expand food access to households that are receiving or eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
(c)    (1)    A household is eligible to participate in the Heat and Eat Program if the household is eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits under State and federal law.
(2)    In determining the eligibility of a household to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, the Department shall apply a standard utility allowance to the shelter deduction that is used for the purpose of determining countable gross income for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility.
(d)    The Department shall adopt regulations:
(1)    to verify household eligibility for participation in the Heat and Eat Program; and
(2)    otherwise necessary to carry out this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5A - Energy Assistance Program › Section 5-5A-01 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Energy emergency” means a lack of fuel or the imminent discontinuation of energy services supplied by a fuel vendor or utility vendor that will endanger health, safety, or welfare.
(c)    “Fuel vendor” means a person that distributes, transports, produces, or offers for sale coal products, fuel oil, kerosene, bottled gas, propane, or wood for fuel use or consumption in the State.
(d)    “Office” means the Office of Home Energy Programs.
(e)    “Program” means the Energy Assistance Program.
(f)    “Utility vendor” means a person that distributes, transports, or produces natural gas or electricity for use or consumption in the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5A - Energy Assistance Program › Section 5-5A-06 - Powers and Duties

(a)    (1)    The Office shall maintain liaison with:
(i)    the United States Department of Health and Human Services;
(ii)    local government units concerned with energy programs;
(iii)    citizens’ groups;
(iv)    utility vendors and major fuel vendors in the State; and
(v)    any other state, federal, and local units.
(2)    The Office shall:
(i)    consult with and advise the local entities described in paragraph (1) of this subsection regarding their energy assistance programs;
(ii)    work at all levels of government to carry out this subtitle; and
(iii)    consult with all utility vendors and major fuel vendors in the State when developing and implementing the Program.
(b)    The Office shall:
(1)    collect and assemble information relating to energy assistance available from other units of the State and federal governments;
(2)    disseminate information to further energy assistance;
(3)    identify all utility vendors and major fuel vendors in the State and attempt to obtain their voluntary cooperation with the Program;
(4)    establish and maintain a State information service that utilizes a toll–free telephone number to provide the public with information about the Program and the location of the nearest local energy assistance office; and
(5)    establish a mechanism for monitoring the effectiveness of the Program to determine whether eligible households are aware of and have access to a local energy assistance office.
(c)    (1)    Consistent with this subtitle and other applicable laws, the Office may enter into contracts or assume any other function necessary to carry out this subtitle.
(2)    The Office may enter into contracts for any study or research activity that is necessary and proper.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5A - Energy Assistance Program › Section 5-5A-07 - Programs

(a)    (1)    The Office shall:
(i)    carry out an energy emergency crisis intervention program to prevent low–income households, including the near poor, the elderly, households with children, and those on fixed incomes from experiencing danger to health or survival as a result of an energy emergency;
(ii)    establish intake procedures for those experiencing an energy emergency;
(iii)    establish guidelines for the income and program eligibility of applicants; and
(iv)    identify local public or private agencies to administer the crisis intervention program.
(2)    (i)    The Office shall make payments to fuel vendors and utility vendors that have provided service to persons qualifying for the crisis intervention program.
(ii)    The amount of assistance shall be based on need.
(b)    (1)    The Office shall carry out one or more fuel and utility assistance programs to make payments on behalf of qualified households to defray fuel and utility costs.
(2)    The Office shall determine program and income eligibility guidelines.
(3)    The amount of assistance shall be based on need.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5A - Energy Assistance Program › Section 5-5A-09 - Uniform Redetermination Process -- Notice to All Eligible Energy Customers -- Duties of Office -- Annual Report by Office

(a)    (1)    The Office shall develop a uniform redetermination process to assist eligible energy customers who are at least 65 years old in enrolling in energy assistance programs.
(2)    The redetermination process developed under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be updated annually.
(b)    The redetermination process shall require local administering agencies to:
(1)    have an accessible location to receive eligible energy customers’ applications according to the Office’s contractual or program requirements; and
(2)    establish a policy reflecting reasonable accommodations for applicants who are homebound or request accommodation, including by:
(i)    arranging for a home visit; or
(ii)    allowing an individual to apply on the behalf of an eligible energy customer.
(c)    The Office shall provide notice of the redetermination process to all eligible energy customers and include with the notice an addressed envelope with prepaid postage.
(d)    In addition to the notice required under subsection (c) of this section, the Office shall:
(1)    require yearly verification of status for each customer that qualifies for the redetermination process;
(2)    allow an eligible energy customer 45 days to respond to a request for additional information; and
(3)    maintain records organized by county, including records on the number of households during the previous year:
(i)    that were eligible for redetermination;
(ii)    whose notice of the redetermination process was verified and returned; and
(iii)    that were reenrolled in the redetermination process.
(e)    The Office may not require a new application for a current energy customer whose eligibility has not changed from the previous year.
(f)    On or before December 1 each year, the Office shall report, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on the information collected under subsection (d)(3) of this section.
(g)    The Department shall adopt regulations to implement this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program › Section 5-5B-01 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Applicant” means an individual who applies for assistance under this subtitle.
(c)    “Assistance” means cash payments made to a recipient.
(d)    “Eligibility period” means the period of time an individual is eligible for assistance under this subtitle.
(e)    “Impairment” means a medically verified mental or physical condition that renders an individual unable to work at any occupation.
(f)    “Program” means the Temporary Disability Assistance Program.
(g)    “Recipient” means an individual who receives, or has received, assistance under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program › Section 5-5B-02 - State-Funded Temporary Disability Assistance Program

(a)    There is a State–funded Temporary Disability Assistance Program in the Department.
(b)    The primary purpose of the Program is to provide assistance to low–income disabled adults who are ineligible for other categories of assistance.
(c)    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 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program › Section 5-5B-03 - Qualifications for Receipt of Assistance

Subject to § 5–5B–04 of this subtitle, an applicant is entitled to assistance under this subtitle if the applicant is:
(1)    a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien as determined by the Administration;
(2)    a resident of the State and the jurisdiction served by the local department at the time of application;
(3)    unemployed;
(4)    not receiving any other means–tested cash assistance; and
(5)    determined, based on the medical  form required under § 5–5B–05 of this subtitle, to have an impairment  that is expected to last at least 3 months.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program › Section 5-5B-04 - Impairment; Eligibility Period

(a)    If an applicant has an impairment that is expected to  last at least 12 months, the applicant shall:
(1)    pursue Supplemental Security Income; and
(2)    sign an interim payment reimbursement authorization that:
(i)    gives the Social Security Administration authority to mail the applicant’s payments to the Department or the local department; and
(ii)    authorizes the Department or local department to deduct from the payments an amount equal to the assistance granted the applicant under this subtitle.
(b)    A recipient who is otherwise eligible under this subtitle may not receive assistance for more than 9 months in a 36–month period, unless the recipient:
(1)    has been certified as medically disabled by a licensed health care provider  on the medical form required under § 5–5B–05 of this subtitle; and
(2)    has a pending application for Supplemental Security  Income that has not been withdrawn or finally denied.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program › Section 5-5B-05 - Application

(a)    An application for assistance under this subtitle 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)    An application for assistance under this subtitle shall include a medical  form that:
(1)    contains  the name and estimated duration of the applicant’s impairment; and
(2)    is signed by  a licensed health care provider.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program › Section 5-5B-06 - Determination of Eligibility

(a)    In determining  whether an applicant qualifies for assistance under this subtitle, the local department shall evaluate whether the applicant meets the  criteria listed under § 5–5B–03 of this subtitle.
(b)    The local department shall notify the applicant of its determination under subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program › Section 5-5B-07 - Eligibility Period

(a)    The local department shall determine an eligibility period for a recipient based on the estimated duration of the impairment indicated in the medical  form required under § 5–5B–05 of this subtitle.
(b)    The eligibility period determined by the local department:
(1)    may be less than the estimated recovery time indicated  on the medical  form; and
(2)    may not exceed the estimated recovery time indicated  on the medical  form.
(c)    If a local department determines that a recipient’s eligibility period is at least 3 months, but less than 12 months, the recipient shall be eligible for assistance for not more than 9 months in a 36–month period.
(d)    (1)    If the local department determines that a recipient is unlikely to recover in less than 12 months, the recipient shall be eligible for assistance for not more than 12 months if the recipient:
(i)    pursues Supplemental Security  Income; and
(ii)    otherwise remains eligible for assistance under this subtitle.
(2)    The local department may establish additional eligibility periods, each not exceeding 12 months, if the recipient:
(i)    reapplies for assistance under this subtitle;
(ii)    maintains eligibility; and
(iii)    continues to pursue a Supplemental Security  Income claim.
(3)    The local department shall adjust the eligibility period for a recipient to be not more than 9 months in a 36–month period if the recipient:
(i)    withdraws the recipient’s application for Supplemental Security  Income; or
(ii)    is denied the Supplemental Security  Income claim.
(e)    Unless a recipient reapplies for assistance and the local department establishes an additional eligibility period, a recipient’s eligibility for assistance under this subtitle will automatically end at the end of the eligibility period established by the local department.
(f)    If a recipient is eligible for any portion of a month, the recipient shall be eligible for the entire month.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program › Section 5-5B-08 - Funding

(a)    The Governor shall provide sufficient funds in the budget to ensure that the value of the maximum monthly allowable assistance under the Program is equal to at least:
(1)    for fiscal year 2020, $215;
(2)    for fiscal year 2021, 74% of the monthly allowable benefit for a one–person household receiving temporary cash assistance through the Family Investment Program in fiscal year 2021;
(3)    for fiscal year 2022, 78% of the monthly allowable benefit for a one–person household receiving temporary cash assistance through the Family Investment Program in  fiscal year 2022;
(4)    for fiscal year 2023, 82% of the monthly allowable benefit for a one–person household receiving temporary cash assistance through the Family Investment Program in fiscal year 2023;
(5)    for fiscal year 2024, 86% of the monthly allowable benefit for a one–person household receiving temporary cash assistance through the Family Investment Program in fiscal year 2024;
(6)    for fiscal year 2025, 90% of the monthly allowable benefit for a one–person household receiving temporary cash assistance through the Family Investment Program in fiscal year 2025;
(7)    for fiscal year 2026, 94% of the monthly allowable benefit for a one–person household receiving temporary cash assistance through the Family Investment Program in fiscal year 2026; and
(8)    for fiscal year 2027 and each year thereafter, 100% of the monthly allowable benefit for a one–person household receiving temporary cash assistance through the Family Investment Program  for that fiscal year.
(b)    Assistance shall be paid to the applicant monthly.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 6 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 5-601 - Assistance to Resident Convicted of Controlled Dangerous Substance Felony

(a)    In this section, “resident” means an individual who resides in this State on the date the individual applies for public assistance.
(b)    Subject to § 5–314 of this title and as authorized under 21 U.S.C. § 862a(d)(1), the State removes itself from the application of § 115 of the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 to allow the Department to provide temporary cash assistance and food stamps to a resident who has been convicted of a felony involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.
(c)    (1)    Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, if a resident receiving temporary cash assistance or food stamps is found to be in violation of § 5–612 or § 5–613 of the Criminal Law Article, the resident is:
(i)    ineligible for temporary cash assistance or food stamps for 1 year after the date of the conviction; and
(ii)    subject to testing for substance abuse, as provided by the Department, and to treatment as required under § 5–314 of this title, for 2 years beginning on the later of:
1.    the date the individual is released from incarceration;
2.    the date the individual completes any term of probation; or
3.    the date the individual completes any term of parole or mandatory supervision.
(2)    A recipient who fails to comply with the testing required under this subsection or the treatment required under § 5–314 of this title or who tests positive for the abuse of controlled dangerous substances is subject to the sanctions provided under § 5–314 of this title.
(3)    In consultation with the Maryland Department of Health, the Secretary shall adopt regulations to establish the testing methods and procedures, consistent with § 5–314 of this title, to be required by the Department under this subsection, including the intervals of testing and methods required.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 6 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 5-602 - Flat Grant Payments

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administration, a local department, or any other unit may not decrease the monetary amount of assistance received by any recipient of public assistance before the implementation of a system of flat grant payments, solely as a result of the implementation of the system.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 6 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 5-603 - Payments to Public Housing Authorities

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Delinquent tenant” means a tenant of public housing who is 30 or more days delinquent in paying the tenant’s full monthly rent to a public housing authority.
(3)    “Public housing” means a dwelling unit owned, leased, or managed by a public housing authority.
(4)    “Public housing authority” means a public corporation created under Division II of the Housing and Community Development Article or the public corporation’s designee.
(b)    If a recipient of temporary cash assistance is a delinquent tenant, the Administration, at the request of the public housing authority, shall:
(1)    deduct the amount of the tenant’s rent from the tenant’s monthly assistance payments each month;
(2)    pay the amount deducted from the tenant’s monthly assistance payments to the public housing authority or the public housing authority’s authorized agent; and
(3)    forward the remaining amount of the monthly assistance payments to the tenant.
(c)    (1)    If a court establishes an escrow account under § 8-211 of the Real Property Article or a parallel provision of public local law for a tenancy covered under subsection (b) of this section, the public housing authority shall notify the Administration of the court action.
(2)    On notice under paragraph (1) of this subsection or on certification by an attorney of record representing the delinquent tenant in the court action that an order has been issued to establish an escrow account, the Administration shall pay rent to the court as long as the order is in effect.
(3)    Any notice under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall include a list of all addresses covered by the court action.
(4)    The public housing authority shall notify the Administration when the court action has been resolved.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 6 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 5-604 - Verification of Eligibility for Public Assistance From Financial Institutions

(a)    The Department may request and obtain from a fiduciary institution doing business in the State any financial records that the Department determines are necessary to verify or confirm an individual’s eligibility or ineligibility for public assistance.
(b)    On a showing by an applicant for long–term care Medicaid benefits that the applicant has been unable to obtain from a fiduciary institution doing business in the State financial records related to financial and real property assets necessary to establish the applicant’s eligibility or ineligibility for Medicaid benefits, the Department shall request the records.
(c)    (1)    (i)    The Department shall adopt regulations governing procedures for requesting, obtaining, and examining financial records that the Department determines are necessary to verify or confirm an individual’s eligibility or ineligibility for public assistance.
(ii)    The regulations shall:
1.    include reimbursement schedules necessary to compensate fiduciary institutions for complying with this section; and
2.    state the requirements that an applicant must satisfy in order for the Department to request financial records under subsection (b) of this section.
(2)    The Secretary shall notify a fiduciary institution of the officers or employees of the Department who are authorized to request and receive financial records from the fiduciary institution.
(3)    An individual authorized to receive information under this section may not disclose any personally identifiable information obtained or maintained under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 6 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 5-605 - Acknowledgment of Statement of Conduct That Constitutes Fraud

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Fraud” has the meaning stated in § 8–501 of the Criminal Law Article.
(3)    “Public assistance” means any assistance described in § 8–503 of the Criminal Law Article.
(b)    Each applicant for or recipient of public assistance shall:
(1)    read or have read to the individual a statement of the conduct that constitutes fraud; and
(2)    sign the statement to acknowledge that the individual understands that the penalties for fraud under § 8–503 of the Criminal Law Article are:
(i)    imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and
(ii)    restitution.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 6 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 5-607 - 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 5 - Public Assistance › Subtitle 6 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 5-608 - 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 public assistance to the benefit of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 4 - Transitional Services › Part I - Statewide Nutrition-Assistance Equipment Program › Section 6-401 - Definitions

(a)    In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Applicant” means an entity that applies for a grant under this part.
(c)    “Distribution organization” means a nonprofit entity that distributes food or equipment to emergency food organizations.
(d)    (1)    “Emergency food organization” means a nonprofit entity that provides emergency food services.
(2)    “Emergency food organization” includes an organization that operates:
(i)    a soup kitchen; or
(ii)    a food pantry.
(e)    “Program” means the Statewide Nutrition-Assistance Equipment Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 4 - Transitional Services › Part I - Statewide Nutrition-Assistance Equipment Program › Section 6-404 - Responsibilities of Department

In addition to any other responsibilities for administering the Program, the responsibilities of the Department include:
(1)    designing and implementing an ongoing outreach and publicity campaign to achieve the widest possible dissemination of information about the Program to:
(i)    potential applicants; and
(ii)    nutrition advocacy groups in the State;
(2)    receiving and reviewing applications for funding; and
(3)    allocating funds for approved applications in accordance with this part.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 4 - Transitional Services › Part I - Statewide Nutrition-Assistance Equipment Program › Section 6-405 - Grants

(a)    When reviewing and awarding grants under this part, the Department shall consider:
(1)    the equitable distribution of funds across all geographical regions of the State;
(2)    the adequacy of existing distribution organizations in the region served or intended to be served by the applicant;
(3)    the estimated population to be served by the applicant;
(4)    the applicant’s level of experience in operating a distribution organization; and
(5)    the amount of funding and other resources available to the applicant.
(b)    (1)    The Department may not release funds to a grantee under this part until the grantee establishes that the grantee has obtained matching resources or a commitment for matching resources that equals at least 50% of the grant amount.
(2)    The matching resources may be in the form of cash or an in-kind equivalent acceptable to the Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 4 - Transitional Services › Part I - Statewide Nutrition-Assistance Equipment Program › Section 6-406 - Annual Report

The Department shall report annually to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on the activities of the Program, including:
(1)    financial reports;
(2)    distribution of funds;
(3)    community participation; and
(4)    the overall effectiveness of the Program in fulfilling its stated purpose.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 4 - Transitional Services › Part II - Maryland Emergency Food Program › Section 6-409 - Definitions

(a)    In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Administering agency” means an entity that the Department approves in accordance with § 6-414 of this subtitle to administer the Program at the county level.
(c)    (1)    “Emergency food provider” means a nonprofit organization or an organization operated by a local government that provides food at no charge to needy individuals.
(2)    “Emergency food provider” includes:
(i)    a soup kitchen; and
(ii)    a food pantry.
(d)    “Program” means the Maryland Emergency Food Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 4 - Transitional Services › Part II - Maryland Emergency Food Program › Section 6-411 - Purposes; Intent

(a)    The purposes of the Program are to:
(1)    provide funding to assist emergency food providers in purchasing food for needy individuals;
(2)    encourage needy individuals to become self-sufficient; and
(3)    distribute information on the State’s earned income tax credit established under § 10-704 of the Tax - General Article.
(b)    When feasible and cost effective, food purchased under the Program shall be produced, grown, and harvested in the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 4 - Transitional Services › Part II - Maryland Emergency Food Program › Section 6-412 - Duties

(a)    The Department shall manage the Program.
(b)    Each administering agency shall:
(1)    provide emergency food providers with information about the Program, including Program guidelines and fund availability;
(2)    accept and process requests for funding assistance from emergency food providers; and
(3)    allocate funding to emergency food providers based on the procedures approved in the administering agency’s grant application under § 6-413 of this subtitle.
(c)    An emergency food provider that receives a Program grant shall:
(1)    use the grant to purchase food for distribution to needy individuals;
(2)    as a condition of distributing food, provide to needy individuals information, developed in collaboration with the Department, that encourages self-sufficiency consistent with the goals of the Family Investment Program established under Title 5, Subtitle 3 of this article;
(3)    distribute information on the State’s earned income tax credit established under § 10-704 of the Tax - General Article; and
(4)    submit a report to the Department and the administering agency detailing how the grant was used and how many units of service were provided.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 4 - Transitional Services › Part II - Maryland Emergency Food Program › Section 6-413 - Funding; Grant Applications

(a)    (1)    No more than 5% of the Program’s budget may be used to cover administrative costs of the Program.
(2)    All remaining funding shall be allocated for food purchase only.
(3)    Program funds may not be used for equipment or other capital expenditures.
(b)    The Department shall:
(1)    adopt a formula and qualifications for allocating Program funds to the counties based on county-wide statistics for:
(i)    the number of families living in poverty;
(ii)    the unemployment rate; and
(iii)    the number of families receiving food stamps;
(2)    submit annually to the State Advisory Council on Hunger a report detailing:
(i)    the total appropriations for the Program for the current and prior fiscal years, including the amount allocated for administrative costs, the amount allocated to each administering agency, and the amount allocated to emergency food providers in each county; and
(ii)    how many units of service were provided in each county; and
(3)    notify each county through the administering agency of the availability of Program funds under item (1) of this subsection.
(c)    (1)    Each administering agency shall apply to the Department for a Program grant.
(2)    The application shall include the procedures that the administering agency will use to:
(i)    notify emergency food providers of the availability of Program grants;
(ii)    approve emergency food providers as recipients of Program grants; and
(iii)    allocate Program grants among approved emergency food providers.
(d)    Before an administering agency may receive a Program grant, the Department  must approve the application.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 4 - Transitional Services › Part II - Maryland Emergency Food Program › Section 6-414 - Regulations

(a)    The Department shall adopt regulations to govern the selection and approval of an administering agency for each county.
(b)    The regulations adopted under this section shall include:
(1)    criteria to ensure that the selected administering agency has adequate internal controls over cash receipts, materials, supplies, and inventories; and
(2)    a definition of “units of service” that shall be used to track Program utilization.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 5 - Adult Services › Part I - Community Home Care Services › Section 6-501 - Definitions

(a)    In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Community services” means household and personal services provided for an elderly individual under the direction and supervision of an appropriate social services or health agency.
(2)    “Community services” includes assistance with:
(i)    meal preparation and planning;
(ii)    home-delivered meal services;
(iii)    dressing;
(iv)    shopping;
(v)    visits to health, recreational, and shopping facilities;
(vi)    transportation and personal escort services;
(vii)    light housekeeping; and
(viii)    personal medical and nursing care related to the provision of community services.
(c)    “Elderly individual” means an individual at least 65 years old and the individual’s spouse, regardless of the spouse’s age.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 5 - Adult Services › Part I - Community Home Care Services › Section 6-502 - State Policy; Legislative Intent

(a)    It is the policy of the State that elderly individuals in the State should have access to a comprehensive range of community services to enable them to remain in their own homes or other independent living arrangements consistent with their desires, abilities, and safety.
(b)    It is the intent of the General Assembly that the community services provided under this subtitle shall be available to all elderly individuals, but that those elderly individuals who are financially able to do so shall pay all or a portion of the costs of the community services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 5 - Adult Services › Part I - Community Home Care Services › Section 6-504 - Duties of Department

To carry out the system of community services required under this part, the Department or its designee shall:
(1)    adopt regulations, including standards and means for reimbursement from elderly individuals financially able to pay for all or part of the services provided;
(2)    monitor continuously the effectiveness of the system and perform evaluative research through the Department of Aging;
(3)    contract, where feasible and desirable, with governmental units, private nonprofit organizations, and volunteer groups to provide community services and group nutritional dining services;
(4)    provide funds to train individuals to perform community services and for administrative costs of the system; and
(5)    use, to the extent available, grants from federal, State, and other public or private sources to fund the system.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 5 - Adult Services › Part I - Community Home Care Services › Section 6-505 - Employment of Elderly Individuals to Perform Community Services

(a)    To the extent possible, the Department shall train and utilize elderly individuals to perform community services.
(b)    Elderly individuals compensated for performing community services are not subject to the State Personnel Management System or any merit system of a political subdivision.
(c)    The Department has sole authority for determining all conditions of employment and rates of compensation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 5 - Adult Services › Part II - Certified Adult Residential Environmental Program › Section 6-508 - Definitions

(a)    In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “CARE Program” means the Certified Adult Residential Environment Program.
(c)    (1)    “Individual with a disability” means an adult who requires a supportive housing arrangement to reside in the community because of a physical, medical, or mental disability.
(2)    “Individual with a disability” does not include an adult whose disability is so severe or complex as to require specialized professional intervention as part of the supportive housing arrangement.
(d)    “Supportive housing arrangement” means a housing arrangement that provides an individual with room, board, and assistance with the activities of daily living.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 5 - Adult Services › Part II - Certified Adult Residential Environmental Program › Section 6-509 - Legislative Findings; State Policy

(a)    The General Assembly finds and declares that:
(1)    an increasing number of adults in the State are unable, because of disability, to reside in the community without a supportive housing arrangement;
(2)    many of these adults are therefore homeless, unnecessarily institutionalized, or residing in substandard housing; and
(3)    current State-operated programs do not adequately address this problem.
(b)    It is the policy of the State to encourage the development of affordable housing for adults who are unable to avail themselves of existing housing because of disability.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 5 - Adult Services › Part II - Certified Adult Residential Environmental Program › Section 6-511 - Scope of Program

In accordance with the State budget, the CARE Program shall provide for:
(1)    the development of CARE housing;
(2)    case management to individuals with disabilities residing in CARE housing; and
(3)    supportive services for individuals with disabilities residing in CARE housing.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 5 - Adult Services › Part II - Certified Adult Residential Environmental Program › Section 6-512 - Administration of Program

(a)    The Department of Human Services, the Department of Education, the Maryland Department of Health, and the Department of Aging shall provide appropriate ancillary services to individuals with disabilities in the CARE Program subject to programmatic eligibility and priority criteria and budgetary resources.
(b)    The Secretary of Human Services, the Secretary of Health, the Secretary of Aging, and the State Superintendent of Schools shall:
(1)    coordinate departmental programs to ensure that the services needed by individuals with disabilities residing in CARE housing are provided in an integrated and cost–effective manner; and
(2)    prepare and enter into a written memorandum of agreement that specifies the services to be provided by each departmental program and the integration and timing of the delivery of the services.
(c)    The Department may adopt regulations to carry out the CARE Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 5 - Adult Services › Part II - Certified Adult Residential Environmental Program › Section 6-513 - Eligibility

(a)    Eligibility for services under the CARE Program does not preclude eligibility for other services.
(b)    The CARE Program may not serve an individual with a disability who is not a resident of the State when the application for service is made.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 6 - Commission on Responsible Fatherhood › Section 6-603 - Purposes

The purposes of the Commission are to:
(1)    raise awareness of the problems created when a child is raised without the presence of a responsible father;
(2)    identify obstacles that impede or prevent the involvement of responsible fathers in the lives of their children; and
(3)    identify strategies that encourage responsible fatherhood.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Human Services › Title 6 - Community Services › Subtitle 6 - Commission on Responsible Fatherhood › Section 6-604 - Membership

(a)    The Commission consists of the following 18 members appointed by the Governor:
(1)    the Secretary of Budget and Management;
(2)    the Secretary of Health;
(3)    the Secretary of Human Services;
(4)    the Secretary of Labor;
(5)    the State Superintendent of Schools;
(6)    the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services or the Executive Director’s designee;
(7)    one judge assigned to the family division of a circuit court nominated by the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals;
(8)    one member of the Senate of Maryland nominated by the President of the Senate;
(9)    one member of the House of Delegates nominated by the Speaker of the House;
(10)    three individuals with extensive programmatic or academic experience with noncustodial fathers and their children;
(11)    three individuals with an interest or expertise in matters pertaining to noncustodial fathers and their children, including representatives of community, parent, or religious groups or organizations;
(12)    two representatives of local government in areas with a significant number of noncustodial fathers; and
(13)    one noncustodial father.
(b)    (1)    The term of a member appointed under subsection (a)(10), (11), or (12) of this section is 3 years.
(2)    The term of the member appointed under subsection (a)(13) of this section is 2 years.
(3)    The terms of members appointed under subsection (a)(10), (11), (12), and (13) of this section shall be staggered as required by the terms in effect for those members on October 1, 2007.
(4)    A member who is appointed to a position with a fixed term after the term has begun shall serve only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(5)    At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(c)    A member appointed under subsection (a)(1) through (6) of this section may designate in writing an alternate to represent the member and exercise the member’s power to vote.