reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 9 - Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program › Part II - Programs in the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program › Section 4-927 - Indoor Plumbing Program

(a)    There is an Indoor Plumbing Program.
(b)    The Department shall:
(1)    operate the Indoor Plumbing Program; and
(2)    make loans for rehabilitation projects that provide for adequate indoor plumbing from the Special Loan Programs Fund under this subtitle.
(c)    (1)    The terms for indoor plumbing loans shall meet the requirements of §§ 4-917 through 4-919 of this subtitle.
(2)    The Department may forgive all or part of a deferred payment loan, if:
(i)    the loan is made to a family of limited income that owns and occupies the dwelling and whose income is within a lower income range established under § 4-916(b) of this subtitle; and
(ii)    the Secretary determines that the family of limited income does not have enough income to repay the principal amount of the loan.
(d)    To qualify for an indoor plumbing loan, an applicant shall:
(1)    own a building that is otherwise structurally sound, or for which the applicant provides a commitment from a lender to finance improvements needed to make the building structurally sound, and that:
(i)    has no or incomplete indoor plumbing or a failing septic system; and
(ii)    needs indoor plumbing pipes, equipment, wells, septic tanks or other on-site sewer system, or a connection to a community water or sewer system;
(2)    live in the building and be a family of limited income, or rent at least two-thirds of the dwellings in the building to families of limited income; and
(3)    submit to the Department a proposal for installing an adequate indoor plumbing system for water supply and sewage disposal, including any needed septic system, well, or connection to a community sewer or water system that meets the requirements of the Department of the Environment and every other governmental unit that has jurisdiction over the system.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 9 - Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program › Part II - Programs in the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program › Section 4-928 - Migratory Worker Housing Program

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    (i)    “Migratory labor camp” means one or more structures, buildings, tents, barracks, trailers, vehicles, mobile homes, converted buildings, or unconventional enclosures of living space that are established, operated, or used as living quarters for four or more migratory workers engaged in agricultural activities, including related food processing.
(ii)    “Migratory labor camp” includes appurtenant land.
(3)    “Migratory Housing Program” means the Migratory Worker Housing Program.
(4)    “Migratory worker” means an individual from within or outside the State who:
(i)    is not a year-round employee but moves seasonally from one place to another for work; and
(ii)    during a period of work, occupies living quarters that are not the individual’s permanent home.
(b)    There is a Migratory Worker Housing Program.
(c)    The Department shall:
(1)    operate the Migratory Housing Program;
(2)    make migratory worker housing loans from the Special Loan Programs Fund under this subtitle to a qualified owner of a migratory labor camp to make migratory worker housing safer and more healthful; and
(3)    to the extent determined by the Secretary, administer the Migratory Housing Program in conjunction with any appropriate federal program.
(d)    To the extent applicable, migratory worker housing loans shall satisfy the requirements of § 4-916(b) of this subtitle.
(e)    To qualify for a migratory housing loan, the owner of a migratory labor camp shall:
(1)    live or have a principal place of business in the State;
(2)    have been denied a loan by a private lending institution or have received a commitment from a private lending institution for less than the amount of money required to finance the necessary health and safety improvements; and
(3)    submit to the Department a plan for the necessary health and safety improvements that has been approved by the Department of the Environment.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 9 - Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program › Part II - Programs in the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program › Section 4-930 - Radon and Asbestos Abatement Pilot Program

(a)    There is a Radon and Asbestos Abatement Pilot Program.
(b)    The Department shall:
(1)    operate the Radon and Asbestos Abatement Pilot Program; and
(2)    make loans for rehabilitation projects for radon and asbestos abatement.
(c)    The terms of loans shall meet the requirements under §§ 4-917 through 4-919 of this subtitle.
(d)    (1)    To qualify for a loan, an applicant shall:
(i)    own a building in need of radon or asbestos abatement:
1.    that is otherwise structurally sound; or
2.    for which the applicant provides a commitment from a lender to finance improvements to make the building structurally sound; and
(ii)    make a proposal to the Department for treatment that complies with the requirements and procedures of the Department of the Environment for radon or asbestos abatement.
(2)    In addition to the requirements in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the applicant shall:
(i)    live in the building and be a family of limited income;
(ii)    agree to rent at least two-thirds of the dwellings in the building to families of limited income; or
(iii)    agree to provide congregate or group housing or temporary shelters to families of limited income.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 9 - Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program › Part II - Programs in the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program › Section 4-931 - Accessible Homes for Senior Homeowners Grant Program

(a)    In this section, “Grant Program” means the Accessible Homes for Senior Homeowners Grant Program.
(b)    There is an Accessible Homes for Senior Homeowners Grant Program.
(c)    The Department may make a grant to finance an accessibility–related renovation or repair activity for an elderly homeowner.
(d)    The Department may establish standards to determine the eligibility of an applicant under the Grant Program.
(e)    In determining whether to make a grant under the Grant Program, the Department shall require that an applicant submit evidence that the applicant cannot undertake the renovation and repairs without a grant.
(f)    Grants under the Grant Program may be used in conjunction with other:
(1)    accessible housing for seniors loans; and
(2)    special loan programs under this subtitle.
(g)    The Department may require that all or part of the grant under the Grant Program be repaid if conditions specified by the Department occur.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 9 - Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program › Part III - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 4-933 - False Statements or Reports

(a)    A person may not knowingly make or cause to be made a false statement of material fact, including an overstatement or understatement of financial condition, to influence the action of the Department on a grant or loan or an application for a grant or loan under this subtitle.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
(c)    If a borrower violates this section, the Department may immediately accelerate the loan, whether or not a criminal prosecution has begun and regardless of the status of the prosecution.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 10 - Neighborhood Housing Services Fund › Section 4-1001 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Fund” means the Neighborhood Housing Services Fund.
(c)    “Neighborhood corporation” means a neighborhood housing services corporation established in connection with the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation.
(d)    (1)    “Operating budget” means the money necessary to operate a neighborhood corporation, including money to pay:
(i)    administrative, technical, legal, or other expenses; and
(ii)    expenses incurred by an umbrella corporation in operating programs.
(2)    “Operating budget” does not include money allocated to revolving or other loan funds.
(e)    “Program” means a program that a neighborhood corporation establishes and supervises to achieve its goals and to provide services within a specific neighborhood.
(f)    “Umbrella corporation” means a neighborhood corporation that establishes and supervises at least two programs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 10 - Neighborhood Housing Services Fund › Section 4-1004 - Grants

(a)    To be eligible for a grant under this subtitle, a neighborhood corporation or umbrella corporation shall:
(1)    submit a timely application in the form that the Secretary prescribes;
(2)    create a board of directors composed of:
(i)    a member of the General Assembly;
(ii)    neighborhood residents;
(iii)    representatives of local financial institutions; and
(iv)    representatives of local political subdivisions, if not inconsistent with local law;
(3)    be authorized to establish and administer a revolving loan fund by lending money at flexible rates and terms to neighborhood homeowners who cannot obtain mortgage financing on reasonable terms through normal lending channels to preserve or revitalize neighborhoods and encourage homeownership; and
(4)    be authorized to establish and administer, in cooperation with appropriate officials of the political subdivision, a housing program to bring neighborhood dwellings to acceptable levels of health and safety.
(b)    The Secretary or the Secretary’s designee shall be a voting member of each neighborhood corporation receiving grants from the Department.
(c)    An application for a grant under subsection (a)(1) of this section shall contain:
(1)    a description of the boundaries of the area that the neighborhood corporation or Program serves;
(2)    certification that the applicant is registered with the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation;
(3)    certification of incorporation under State law;
(4)    certification of receipt of a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service that the applicant is exempt from federal income taxation;
(5)    certification that the portion of the applicant’s annual operating budget that will not be covered by the grant sought has been provided exclusively from political subdivisions or private sources; and
(6)    any other information that the Secretary requires.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 10 - Neighborhood Housing Services Fund › Section 4-1005 - Maximum Grant Amounts

(a)    (1)    Each eligible neighborhood corporation may apply for a grant in an amount up to $50,000 that does not exceed one-third of its annual operating budget.
(2)    Each umbrella corporation may apply for a grant for each program under its supervision in an amount up to $50,000 that does not exceed one-third of the annual operating budget of the program.
(b)    If the amount requested by eligible applicants in a fiscal year exceeds the amount of the Fund, the Secretary shall reduce each grant pro rata so that the Fund amount appropriated for that fiscal year is not exceeded.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 11 - Operating Assistance Grants › Section 4-1101 - Grants to Increase Participation in Projects and Activities

(a)    The Department shall award operating assistance grants to nonprofit organizations to increase their capacity to participate in housing projects and activities authorized by the programs that are financed through the Homeownership Programs Fund under § 4-502 of this title, the Rental Housing Programs Fund under § 4-504 of this title, the Special Loan Programs Fund under § 4-505 of this title, or otherwise financed totally or partly by the Department.
(b)    To be eligible for an operating assistance grant under this section, a nonprofit organization must have limited expertise or no recent experience participating in projects or activities financed wholly or partly by the Department.
(c)    A nonprofit organization may receive a grant or grants under this section for up to 3 years to increase its capacity to participate in each of the housing development areas of rental housing programs, homeownership programs, and special loan programs.
(d)    A grant under this section may be for a term of up to 3 years if the Department finds that:
(1)    the performance of the nonprofit organization in the prior year was acceptable; and
(2)    money is appropriated and available to pay the grant.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 11 - Operating Assistance Grants › Section 4-1102 - Grants for Limited Income Housing

(a)    The Department shall award operating assistance grants to nonprofit organizations to further the production or rehabilitation of limited income housing by those organizations or by individuals they help.
(b)    A nonprofit organization is eligible for a grant if it meets the performance and other standards that the Department sets and:
(1)    makes an application that:
(i)    describes the housing project;
(ii)    includes evidence of acceptable performance in the prior year, if the nonprofit organization received a grant in the prior year; and
(iii)    is acceptable to the Department;
(2)    has helped individuals to apply for loans from the Department; or
(3)    was responsible for originating applications, as certified by a political subdivision approved by the Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 11 - Operating Assistance Grants › Section 4-1103 - Use of Grant

A nonprofit organization may use an operating assistance grant for predevelopment, operating, and overhead costs, including:
(1)    staff costs;
(2)    organizational costs; and
(3)    for a grant under § 4-1102 of this subtitle, costs relating to applying for loans or helping individuals to apply for loans.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 11 - Operating Assistance Grants › Section 4-1104 - Amount and Source of Grants

(a)    Operating assistance grants under this subtitle may not exceed the amounts that the Department sets.
(b)    During a fiscal year, all operating assistance grants under this subtitle shall be made from:
(1)    up to 1% of the total amount of budgeted money in the Homeownership Programs Fund under § 4-502 of this title, the Rental Housing Programs Fund under § 4-504 of this title, and the Special Loan Programs Fund under § 4-505 of this title; and
(2)    money appropriated from any other source.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 12 - Partnership Rental Housing Program › Section 4-1201 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Fund” means the Partnership Rental Housing Fund.
(c)    “Household of lower income” means a household that qualifies under § 4-1206 of this subtitle.
(d)    “Housing authority” means a housing authority authorized under Division II of this article.
(e)    “Partnership project” means an undertaking that the Program finances to acquire, construct, reconstruct, renovate, or rehabilitate a building or improvement, or a part of a building or improvement.
(f)    (1)    “Partnership rental housing” means rental housing financed under this subtitle.
(2)    “Partnership rental housing” includes apartments, condominium units, cooperatives, town houses, town homes, single room occupancy and shared living unit facilities, and single-family homes.
(g)    “Program” means the Partnership Rental Housing Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 12 - Partnership Rental Housing Program › Section 4-1202 - Findings

The General Assembly finds that:
(1)    there is a shortage of decent, safe, and sanitary rental housing for households of lower income;
(2)    the private sector often cannot develop, improve, operate, and maintain housing for households of lower income; and
(3)    to address this shortage, a partnership is needed among the State, political subdivisions, housing authorities, the private sector, and households of lower income to develop, operate, and maintain housing for households of lower income.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 12 - Partnership Rental Housing Program › Section 4-1204 - Purposes of Program

The purposes of the Program are to:
(1)    provide decent, safe, and sanitary rental housing for households of lower income;
(2)    provide financial assistance to political subdivisions or housing authorities to acquire, construct, reconstruct, renovate, or rehabilitate rental housing affordable to households of lower income;
(3)    stimulate the development and ownership of rental housing for households of lower income by political subdivisions, housing authorities, or partnerships that include political subdivisions or housing authorities;
(4)    provide financial assistance to private sector entities to acquire, construct, reconstruct, renovate, or rehabilitate housing units:
(i)    for sale to political subdivisions, housing authorities, or partnerships that include political subdivisions or housing authorities, as affordable rental housing for households of lower income; or
(ii)    for occupancy by households of lower income that include one or more individuals with disabilities or special needs;
(5)    promote affordable housing programs and increased contributions to the production of affordable rental housing by political subdivisions, housing authorities, and the private sector, including for profit and nonprofit entities;
(6)    encourage households of lower income that live in partnership rental housing to contribute actively to the operation or maintenance of the housing or the community;
(7)    finance rental housing that is:
(i)    to be occupied by households of lower income;
(ii)    to be owned by political subdivisions or housing authorities or partnerships that include political subdivisions or housing authorities; and
(iii)    expected to be financially self-sufficient, without further governmental financing for maintenance, renovation, or operating subsidies; and
(8)    encourage the private sector to provide rental housing for households of lower income that include one or more individuals with disabilities or special needs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 12 - Partnership Rental Housing Program › Section 4-1205 - Duties of Department

(a)    The Department shall:
(1)    administer the Program;
(2)    adopt policies and procedures that encourage partnership rental housing throughout the State; and
(3)    adopt regulations to carry out the Program, including regulations that specify criteria for local contributions to the cost of partnership projects undertaken by a political subdivision or housing authority.
(b)    The Department may establish:
(1)    maximum limits for financing that it will provide to:
(i)    individual partnership rental housing units;
(ii)    any one partnership project; or
(iii)    any political subdivision or housing authority;
(2)    a process for approving financing for partnership projects that encourages a broad geographic distribution of money; and
(3)    the time that a household may occupy the partnership rental housing after the annual income of the household exceeds the continuing occupancy income limits for households of lower income.
(c)    In administering the Program, the Department may make loans either directly or through the Administration.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 12 - Partnership Rental Housing Program › Section 4-1206 - Household Eligibility

A household qualifies as a household of lower income:
(1)    for initial occupancy, if the gross annual income of the household does not exceed:
(i)    50% of the statewide median income for a household of like size; or
(ii)    a lower income level that the Secretary establishes for a particular partnership project or for a unit of partnership rental housing to be occupied by one or more individuals with disabilities or special needs; and
(2)    for continuing occupancy, if the gross annual income for the household does not exceed the greater of:
(i)    an income level that the Secretary establishes; and
(ii)    an applicable federal requirement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 12 - Partnership Rental Housing Program › Section 4-1207 - Application for Project

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the Department may approve an application for a proposed partnership project only if:
(1)    the application is authorized by the chief elected official of the political subdivision or, if there is no chief elected official, by the governing body of the political subdivision in which the project is located;
(2)    the political subdivision or housing authority:
(i)    contributes from non–State sources the land for the partnership rental housing;
(ii)    funds the part of the acquisition cost of the property that is attributable to the value of the land; or
(iii)    makes a contribution under § 4–1208(d)(2) of this subtitle that equals or exceeds the value of the land;
(3)    the political subdivision or housing authority is to have an ownership interest in the partnership project or in the rental units financed by the Program and sold to the political subdivision or housing authority or to a partnership that includes the political subdivision or housing authority;
(4)    the political subdivision or housing authority directly or indirectly manages the partnership project;
(5)    the rental units financed by the Program are to be occupied on completion of the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, renovation, or rehabilitation by households of lower income;
(6)    unless prohibited by any applicable federal requirement, the households of lower income occupying the partnership project or the part financed by the Program are required to contribute services to enhance or maintain the partnership project or the community in a way that the political subdivision or housing authority accepts; and
(7)    it is reasonable to anticipate that:
(i)    more State subsidies will not be needed for long–term occupancy by households of lower income; and
(ii)    rental income, including any contribution to allow for more affordable rents under § 4–1208(d) of this subtitle, will be enough to pay the operating costs of the partnership project and to build an adequate reserve for the long–term maintenance and renovation of the partnership project.
(b)    The rental units financed by the Program may include, as among those that must be occupied by households of lower income, rental units restricted for occupancy to meet other federal or State occupancy requirements.
(c)    The Department may approve the use of partnership rental housing funds for a unit of partnership rental housing that does not comply with each requirement set forth in subsection (a) of this section if:
(1)    the unit will be occupied by a household of lower income that includes one or more individuals with disabilities or special needs; and
(2)    the project in which the unit is located complies with the requirements of the other State housing programs financing the project, if any.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 12 - Partnership Rental Housing Program › Section 4-1208 - Participation by Political Subdivision, Housing Authority, or Other Eligible Borrower

(a)    A political subdivision, housing authority, or other eligible borrower may participate in the Program and do all things necessary or convenient to its participation, including:
(1)    developing, acquiring, improving, owning, operating, and managing rental housing;
(2)    borrowing money; and
(3)    mortgaging, pledging, and granting a security interest in real or personal property related to a particular partnership project.
(b)    Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, the Department may not require a borrower to repay money made available under the Program, unless the borrower:
(1)    sells the partnership project; or
(2)    fails to operate the partnership project for the benefit of households of lower income in accordance with agreements between the Department and the political subdivision or housing authority.
(c)    The Department shall secure the obligations of the borrower by using a mortgage, deed of trust, or other security device that the Department accepts on the property or on revenues derived from the property.
(d)    (1)    To allow for more affordable rents, a political subdivision or housing authority may contribute local money, including locally administered federal money or federal rental assistance.
(2)    The contributions of political subdivisions or housing authorities under § 4–1207(a)(2)(iii) of this subtitle may include the costs of:
(i)    necessary studies, surveys, tests, plans, and specifications;
(ii)    architectural, design, engineering, and other special services;
(iii)    site preparation;
(iv)    indemnity and surety bonds and premiums on title and hazard insurance; and
(v)    other costs of development.
(e)    To participate in the Program and to receive loans, a political subdivision or housing authority may not be required to pledge its full faith and credit.
(f)    For rental housing financed from the Fund and owned or managed by a housing authority, this subtitle supersedes:
(1)    §§ 12–401, 12–402, and 12–405 of this article; and
(2)    all other restrictions on tenant income under Division II of this article.
(g)    If necessary to comply with, or receive the benefit of, federal or other financial assistance, funds provided under the Program may be made available as a deferred payment loan repayable on the later of:
(1)    the occurrence of one of the events set forth in subsection (b) of this section; or
(2)    a maturity date set by the Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 12 - Partnership Rental Housing Program › Section 4-1209 - False Statements or Reports

(a)    (1)    A person may not knowingly make or cause to be made a false statement or report in a document required to be given to the Department in connection with the Program.
(2)    A person may not knowingly make or cause to be made a false statement or report to influence the action of the Department in connection with the Program.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $50,000 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 13 - Radium Grant Program › Section 4-1305 - Grants

(a)    A county that participates in the Program shall process grant applications and award grants to residential well owners in accordance with this subtitle.
(b)    (1)    The Department may award a grant under the Program only to a residential well owner who resides in a county that participates in the Program.
(2)    The Department shall award a grant equal to the grant awarded by the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 13 - Radium Grant Program › Section 4-1306 - Eligibility

A residential well owner is eligible for a grant under this subtitle if the residential well owner:
(1)    tests a well and finds that it contains radium or gross alpha levels above the levels recommended by the federal Environmental Protection Agency;
(2)    installs a water treatment system to remove excess levels of radium or gross alpha from well water; and
(3)    does not earn more than 110% of the statewide or Washington, D.C. Metropolitan statistical area median income.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 13 - Radium Grant Program › Section 4-1307 - Grant Formula

(a)    The Department shall establish for participating counties a sliding scale formula, based on income, under which residential well owners with lower incomes are eligible for larger grants and those with higher incomes are eligible for smaller grants.
(b)    The combined county and State grants shall equal at least 10% but not more than 25% of the cost of the water treatment system that the residential well owner installs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 14 - Rental Assistance Programs › Section 4-1403 - Administration of Rental Allowance Program

(a)    The Department shall administer the Rental Allowance Program to assist low–income households that are homeless or at risk of being homeless by providing housing assistance payments to or on behalf of eligible households.
(b)    The Secretary shall establish:
(1)    income limits for eligibility of low–income households not exceeding 30% of the State or area median income, whichever is higher; and
(2)    minimum standards for eligible dwelling units.
(c)    The Secretary shall establish the amount of payments made through the Rental Allowance Program, taking into account factors identified in § 4–1405(d) of this subtitle.
(d)    Eligible uses of payments may include rent, security deposits, utilities, and other housing–related expenses.
(e)    The Department may administer the Rental Allowance Program by providing monthly housing assistance payments to or on behalf of eligible households directly or through political subdivisions, their local housing agencies or departments, or nonprofit organizations.
(f)    Funds appropriated to serve low–income households through the Rental Allowance Program may not be used for other programs authorized under this subtitle.
(g)    The Department may adopt regulations to carry out the Rental Allowance Program, including time frames for assistance and other criteria the Secretary considers appropriate.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 14 - Rental Assistance Programs › Section 4-1404 - Other Programs -- Authorized

The Department may establish and administer programs, including programs to assist households that:
(1)    are homeless or at risk of homelessness;
(2)    include an individual with a disability or special need;
(3)    have been displaced or otherwise impacted by disaster; or
(4)    have a critical or emergency housing need.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 14 - Rental Assistance Programs › Section 4-1405 - Other Programs -- Manner of Administration, Consulting, Criteria

(a)    The Department may administer the programs by providing monthly housing assistance payments to or on behalf of eligible households directly or through political subdivisions, their local housing agencies or departments, or nonprofit organizations.
(b)    In establishing the programs, the Department shall consult with, as appropriate:
(1)    the Department of Human Services;
(2)    the Department of Disabilities; or
(3)    any other unit of State or local government.
(c)    The Secretary shall establish criteria for the programs, including:
(1)    income limits for eligibility of households;
(2)    time frames for assistance;
(3)    monthly assistance amounts;
(4)    standards for eligible dwelling units, including types of units, inspection standards, and rent limits;
(5)    eligible uses of assistance payments which may include security deposits, utilities, and other housing related expenses; and
(6)    any other criteria the Secretary considers appropriate.
(d)    In establishing the program criteria, the Secretary may consider factors that include:
(1)    household size and expected average income;
(2)    regional variations throughout the State;
(3)    typical housing costs and expenses;
(4)    relevant standards and definitions established for State and federal housing programs;
(5)    housing needs of eligible households and the expected duration of the housing needs; and
(6)    equitable distribution of funds statewide.
(e)    The Secretary may establish different criteria for different programs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 16 - Residential Mortgage Programs for Certain Counties › Section 4-1601 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Covered county” means:
(1)    a county that has adopted home rule powers under Article XI-F of the Maryland Constitution; or
(2)    Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, Frederick County, Howard County, or Washington County.
(c)    “Family of low or moderate income” means a family or individual that a covered county determines cannot afford a price or rent sufficient to induce private enterprise in the covered county to build enough adequate, safe, and sanitary housing without the assistance of a program.
(d)    “Program” means a residential mortgage program under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 16 - Residential Mortgage Programs for Certain Counties › Section 4-1603 - Purposes of Subtitle

The purposes of this subtitle are to:
(1)    help remedy the conditions described in § 4-1602 of this subtitle;
(2)    make residential mortgage loans available to families of low or moderate income at borrowing costs lower than those otherwise prevailing for residential mortgages;
(3)    help reduce the shortage of adequate housing; and
(4)    help maintain housing and neighborhoods.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 16 - Residential Mortgage Programs for Certain Counties › Section 4-1604 - Power of Covered County to Borrow Money; Availability of Money

(a)    To accomplish the purpose of this subtitle and notwithstanding any other law, a covered county may borrow money by issuing revenue bonds, notes, or other evidences of obligation.
(b)    Money under subsection (a) of this section shall be made available for residential mortgage loans to families of low or moderate income, only through mortgage lending institutions by:
(1)    forward commitment mortgage purchase;
(2)    existing mortgage purchase;
(3)    loans to lenders;
(4)    revolving mortgage fund; or
(5)    any other means that the legislative body of the covered county considers appropriate.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 16 - Residential Mortgage Programs for Certain Counties › Section 4-1605 - Covered County May Collect Charges From Borrowers

A covered county may collect from borrowers in a program the charges that the legislative body of the covered county considers proper for:
(1)    loan processing;
(2)    loan administration;
(3)    mortgage insurance; and
(4)    other costs and expenses of the program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 16 - Residential Mortgage Programs for Certain Counties › Section 4-1606 - Ordinance or Resolution to Issue Bonds

(a)    The legislative body of a covered county that undertakes a program shall adopt an ordinance or resolution that specifies:
(1)    the proposed program;
(2)    the amount of bonds to be issued;
(3)    the interest rate or rates that the bonds will bear or the method to determine the rate or rates; and
(4)    other provisions consistent with this subtitle that the legislative body considers appropriate to finance mortgage loans.
(b)    An ordinance or resolution that authorizes the issuance of bonds shall include findings about:
(1)    the appropriate ranges of income of families of low or moderate income;
(2)    the need for the financing that is allowed under this subtitle;
(3)    the types of housing available and needed in the covered county; and
(4)    other factors that the legislative body of the covered county finds appropriate to establish a program.
(c)    A finding by the legislative body of a covered county about the qualification of an individual or family as a family of low or moderate income, or about any other matter connected with a program is conclusive in a suit, action, or proceeding that involves the validity or enforceability of a bond issued under this subtitle or the security for the bond.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 16 - Residential Mortgage Programs for Certain Counties › Section 4-1607 - Characteristics of Bonds

(a)    The legislative body of a covered county that issues bonds under this subtitle shall determine:
(1)    the time or times when interest is to be paid on the bonds;
(2)    the time or times when the bonds are to be executed, issued, and delivered;
(3)    the form, denomination, and tenor of the bonds;
(4)    the time or times when the principal of the bonds is to be paid, which may not be more than 40 years after the bonds are issued; and
(5)    the place or places where the bonds are to be paid.
(b)    The bonds may be secured by:
(1)    a pledge of mortgages or notes secured by deeds of trust on any type of interest in real or other property, including the real property or other interests held by stock cooperatives or condominiums and their unit owners;
(2)    servicing agreements;
(3)    condemnation proceeds;
(4)    private, governmental, or other mortgage insurance proceeds;
(5)    casualty or special hazard insurance proceeds; or
(6)    any other security that the legislative body of the covered county finds appropriate.
(c)    The bonds may provide that, at the option of the covered county, the bonds or any one of them may be called for redemption before maturity, at a price and under the terms and conditions that the legislative body of the covered county fixed before issuing the bonds.
(d)    The following are exempt at all times from taxation of every kind and nature whatsoever by the State or a county:
(1)    the principal of a bond;
(2)    the transfer of, interest payable on, or income derived from a bond; and
(3)    profit made by the sale or transfer of a bond.
(e)    A bond issued under this subtitle is a negotiable instrument.
(f)    A covered county may:
(1)    issue its bonds in coupon form; or
(2)    provide for registration of the bonds as to principal alone or principal and interest.
(g)    (1)    The bonds shall be signed by a commissioner or other chief executive officer of the covered county.
(2)    The seal of the covered county shall be affixed to the bond and attested to by the clerk or the officer exercising the functions of a clerk.
(3)    An officer’s signature or countersignature that appears on bonds or coupons is valid even if the officer leaves office before delivery of the bonds.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 16 - Residential Mortgage Programs for Certain Counties › Section 4-1608 - Sale and Payment of Bonds

(a)    (1)    The bonds shall be sold at public or private sale on the terms that the legislative body of the covered county sets.
(2)    The bonds are not subject to §§ 19–205 and 19–206 of the Local Government Article.
(b)    (1)    The bonds and the interest on them shall be limited obligations of the covered county.
(2)    The principal and interest on the bonds shall be payable only from:
(i)    the revenue derived from:
1.    interest;
2.    mortgage insurance;
3.    casualty or special hazard insurance or other insurance proceeds; or
4.    condemnation proceeds;
(ii)    other revenue derived from mortgage loans or property securing the loans; or
(iii)    other payments or revenues derived from or relating to the making of the loans.
(3)    The bonds or coupons issued under this subtitle:
(i)    are not an indebtedness or a charge against the general credit or taxing powers of the issuing county within the meaning of a constitution, county code provision, or statutory limit; and
(ii)    are not and do not give rise to a monetary liability of the issuing county.
(4)    On the advice of counsel, the face of each bond may plainly state that the bond was issued under this subtitle and is not an indebtedness to which the faith and credit of the county is pledged.
(c)    Money received from bonds issued under this subtitle shall be applied solely:
(1)    to make money available through mortgage lending institutions only for residential mortgage loans to families of low or moderate income;
(2)    to establish reserves;
(3)    to pay the necessary expenses of financing; or
(4)    to advance the payment of interest on the bonds during the first 3 years after the date of the bonds.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 16 - Residential Mortgage Programs for Certain Counties › Section 4-1609 - New Bonds

(a)    A covered county may issue new bonds to pay outstanding bonds in accordance with procedures of this subtitle and § 19–207 of the Local Government Article.
(b)    New bonds shall be secured to the same extent and shall have the same source of payment as the bonds refunded.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 16 - Residential Mortgage Programs for Certain Counties › Section 4-1610 - Nature of Program

(a)    A program may provide for loan agreements, security agreements, loan servicing agreements, forms of mortgages, notes and deeds of trust, and other security, documents, agreements, provisions, and other matters as the covered county may find appropriate to implement the financing of the program.
(b)    A transaction under this subtitle is not a capital project within the meaning of a charter or statutory provision.
(c)    A transaction under this subtitle shall be authorized by ordinance or resolution without a referendum or other procedure not applicable to all ordinances or resolutions enacted in the covered county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 17 - Self-Help Homeownership Technical Assistance Program › Section 4-1701 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Family of limited income” means a family or individual that qualifies under § 4-1706 of this subtitle.
(c)    “Owner-builder” means an individual or family that provides all, or a substantial amount, as the Department determines, of the labor to build a dwelling that will be the principal residence of the individual or family.
(d)    “Program” means the Self-Help Homeownership Technical Assistance Program.
(e)    “Project” means six or more dwellings near one another that are built or rehabilitated by owner-builders or self-help rehabilitators who use self-help methods and work as a team on each other’s dwellings.
(f)    “Self-help rehabilitator” means an individual or family that provides all, or a substantial amount, as the Department determines, of the labor to rehabilitate, renovate, or improve the principal residence of the individual or family.
(g)    “Technical assistance grant” means a grant under the Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 17 - Self-Help Homeownership Technical Assistance Program › Section 4-1702 - Findings

The General Assembly finds that:
(1)    homeownership is a stabilizing factor for communities and families and is the best way for families of limited income to build equity and move out of poverty;
(2)    homeownership has become less affordable over time because incomes have not kept pace with the rising costs of homeownership;
(3)    self-help housing helps families of limited income to become homeowners, increasing their financial stability;
(4)    families working together in groups to build their homes help to create stronger communities; and
(5)    there have been three successful federally financed self-help programs in the State, and modeling a State self-help ownership program on a well-tested federal program will increase homeownership opportunities for families of limited income across the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 17 - Self-Help Homeownership Technical Assistance Program › Section 4-1704 - Purpose of Program

The purpose of the Program is to make technical assistance grants to expand:
(1)    the production of decent and affordable housing for families of limited income through self-help in rehabilitation and construction;
(2)    homeownership opportunities for those who would not have these opportunities without the cost savings achieved by self-help; and
(3)    self-reliance, pride of ownership, and sense of community for participants.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Housing and Community Development › Division I - Housing and Community Programs › Title 4 - Division of Development Finance › Subtitle 17 - Self-Help Homeownership Technical Assistance Program › Section 4-1705 - Duties of Department

The Department shall:
(1)    administer the Program;
(2)    establish guidelines to determine eligibility of applicants for technical assistance grants; and
(3)    adopt regulations to carry out the Program.