MD
Maryland Senate Bill SB256

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB256 Compare Versions

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1- LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 735
21
3-– 1 –
4-Chapter 735
5-(Senate Bill 256)
62
7-AN ACT concerning
3+EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
4+ [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
5+ Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
6+ Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
7+amendment.
8+ *sb0256*
89
9-Maryland Energy Administration – Resiliency Hub Grant Program and Fund
10+SENATE BILL 256
11+M5, C5 2lr1677
12+ CF HB 31
13+By: Senator Beidle
14+Introduced and read first time: January 14, 2022
15+Assigned to: Finance
16+Committee Report: Favorable with amendments
17+Senate action: Adopted
18+Read second time: February 21, 2022
1019
11-FOR the purpose of establishing the Resiliency Hub Grant Program in the Maryland
12-Energy Administration; requiring the Administration to establish certain procedures
13-and criteria for the Program; establishing the Resiliency Hub Grant Program Fund
14-as a special, nonlapsing fund; requiring interest earnings of the Resiliency Hub
15-Grant Program Fund to be credited to the Resiliency Hub Grant Program Fund;
16-requiring that certain fines and penalties be credited to the Resiliency Hub Grant
17-Program Fund rather than the General Fund of the State; requiring the
18-Administration to provide certain Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund
19-funding to the Resiliency Hub Grant Program Fund; and generally relating to the
20-Resiliency Hub Grant Program and Fund.
20+CHAPTER ______
2121
22-BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
23- Article – Public Utilities
24-Section 2–110.1(a) and (b) and 7–306.2(a)(1) and (3)
25- Annotated Code of Maryland
26- (2020 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
22+AN ACT concerning 1
2723
28-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
29- Article – Public Utilities
30-Section 2–110.1(c) and 13–201
31- Annotated Code of Maryland
32- (2020 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
24+Maryland Energy Administration – Resiliency Hub Grant Program and Fund 2
3325
34-BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
35- Article – State Finance and Procurement
36-Section 6–226(a)(2)(i)
37- Annotated Code of Maryland
38- (2021 Replacement Volume)
26+FOR the purpose of establishing the Resiliency Hub Grant Program in the Maryland 3
27+Energy Administration; requiring the Administration to establish certain procedures 4
28+and criteria for the Program; establishing the Resiliency Hub Grant Program Fund 5
29+as a special, nonlapsing fund; requiring interest earnings of the Resiliency Hub 6
30+Grant Program Fund to be credited to the Resiliency Hub Grant Program Fund; 7
31+requiring that certain fines and penalties be credited to the Resiliency Hub Grant 8
32+Program Fund rather than the General Fund of the State; requiring the 9
33+Administration to provide certain Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund 10
34+funding to the Resiliency Hub Grant Program Fund; and generally relating to the 11
35+Resiliency Hub Grant Program and Fund. 12
3936
40-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
41- Article – State Finance and Procurement
42-Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)144. and 145.
43- Annotated Code of Maryland
44- (2021 Replacement Volume)
37+BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 13
38+ Article – Public Utilities 14
39+Section 2–110.1(a) and (b) and 7–306.2(a)(1) and (3) 15
40+ Annotated Code of Maryland 16
41+ (2020 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 17
4542
46-BY adding to
47- Article – State Finance and Procurement
48-Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)146.
49- Annotated Code of Maryland Ch. 735 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
43+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 18
44+ Article – Public Utilities 19
45+Section 2–110.1(c) and 13–201 20
46+ Annotated Code of Maryland 21
47+ (2020 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 22
48+ 2 SENATE BILL 256
5049
51-– 2 –
52- (2021 Replacement Volume)
5350
54-BY adding to
55- Article – State Government
56-Section 9–2010, 9–2011, and 9–20B–05(f)(11)
57- Annotated Code of Maryland
58- (2021 Replacement Volume)
51+BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 1
52+ Article – State Finance and Procurement 2
53+Section 6–226(a)(2)(i) 3
54+ Annotated Code of Maryland 4
55+ (2021 Replacement Volume) 5
5956
60-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
61- Article – State Government
62-Section 9–20B–05(f)(10) and (11)
63- Annotated Code of Maryland
64- (2021 Replacement Volume)
57+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 6
58+ Article – State Finance and Procurement 7
59+Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)144. and 145. 8
60+ Annotated Code of Maryland 9
61+ (2021 Replacement Volume) 10
6562
66-BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
67- Article – State Government
68-Section 9–20B–05(i)
69- Annotated Code of Maryland
70- (2021 Replacement Volume)
63+BY adding to 11
64+ Article – State Finance and Procurement 12
65+Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)146. 13
66+ Annotated Code of Maryland 14
67+ (2021 Replacement Volume) 15
7168
72- SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
73-That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
69+BY adding to 16
70+ Article – State Government 17
71+Section 9–2010, 9–2011, and 9–20B–05(f)(11) 18
72+ Annotated Code of Maryland 19
73+ (2021 Replacement Volume) 20
7474
75-Article – Public Utilities
75+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 21
76+ Article – State Government 22
77+Section 9–20B–05(f)(10) and (11) 23
78+ Annotated Code of Maryland 24
79+ (2021 Replacement Volume) 25
7680
77-2–110.1.
81+BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 26
82+ Article – State Government 27
83+Section 9–20B–05(i) 28
84+ Annotated Code of Maryland 29
85+ (2021 Replacement Volume) 30
7886
79- (a) There is a Public Utility Regulation Fund.
87+ SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 31
88+That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 32
8089
81- (b) The Fund consists of:
90+Article – Public Utilities 33
8291
83- (1) all revenue received through the imposition and collection of
84-assessments under § 2–110 of this subtitle;
92+2–110.1. 34
8593
86- (2) fees received by the Commission under § 2–123 of this subtitle for
87-filings and for other services rendered by the Commission;
94+ (a) There is a Public Utility Regulation Fund. 35
8895
89- (3) income from investments that the State Treasurer makes for the Fund;
90-and
96+ (b) The Fund consists of: 36
97+ SENATE BILL 256 3
9198
92- (4) any other fee, examination assessment, or revenue received by the
93-Commission under this division.
9499
95- (c) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, the Commission shall pay all
96-fines and penalties collected by the Commission under this article into the [General Fund LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 735
100+ (1) all revenue received through the imposition and collection of 1
101+assessments under § 2–110 of this subtitle; 2
97102
98-– 3 –
99-of the State] RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM FUND ESTABLISHED UNDE R §
100-9–2011 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE.
103+ (2) fees received by the Commission under § 2–123 of this subtitle for 3
104+filings and for other services rendered by the Commission; 4
101105
102-7–306.2.
106+ (3) income from investments that the State Treasurer makes for the Fund; 5
107+and 6
103108
104- (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
109+ (4) any other fee, examination assessment, or revenue received by the 7
110+Commission under this division. 8
105111
106- (3) “Community solar energy generating system” means a solar energy
107-system that:
112+ (c) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, the Commission shall pay all 9
113+fines and penalties collected by the Commission under this article into the [General Fund 10
114+of the State] RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM FUND ESTABLISHED UNDE R § 11
115+9–2011 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 12
108116
109- (i) is connected to the electric distribution grid serving the State;
117+7–306.2. 13
110118
111- (ii) is located in the same electric service territory as its subscribers;
119+ (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 14
112120
113- (iii) is attached to the electric meter of a subscriber or is a separate
114-facility with its own electric meter;
121+ (3) “Community solar energy generating system” means a solar energy 15
122+system that: 16
115123
116- (iv) credits its generated electricity, or the value of its generated
117-electricity, to the bills of the subscribers to that system through virtual net energy
118-metering;
124+ (i) is connected to the electric distribution grid serving the State; 17
119125
120- (v) has at least two subscribers but no limit to the maximum number
121-of subscribers;
126+ (ii) is located in the same electric service territory as its subscribers; 18
122127
123- (vi) does not have subscriptions larger than 200 kilowatts
124-constituting more than 60% of its subscriptions;
128+ (iii) is attached to the electric meter of a subscriber or is a separate 19
129+facility with its own electric meter; 20
125130
126- (vii) has a generating capacity that does not exceed 2 megawatts as
127-measured by the alternating current rating of the system’s inverter; and
131+ (iv) credits its generated electricity, or the value of its generated 21
132+electricity, to the bills of the subscribers to that system through virtual net energy 22
133+metering; 23
128134
129- (viii) may be owned by any person.
135+ (v) has at least two subscribers but no limit to the maximum number 24
136+of subscribers; 25
130137
131-13–201.
138+ (vi) does not have subscriptions larger than 200 kilowatts 26
139+constituting more than 60% of its subscriptions; 27
132140
133- (a) This section does not apply to a violation of the following provisions of this
134-article:
141+ (vii) has a generating capacity that does not exceed 2 megawatts as 28
142+measured by the alternating current rating of the system’s inverter; and 29
135143
136- (1) Title 5, Subtitle 4;
144+ (viii) may be owned by any person. 30
137145
138- (2) Title 7, Subtitle 1;
146+13–201. 31 4 SENATE BILL 256
139147
140- (3) § 7–213 as it applies to electric cooperatives;
141148
142- (4) Title 8, Subtitles 1 and 3;
143149
144- (5) Title 9, Subtitle 3; and Ch. 735 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
150+ (a) This section does not apply to a violation of the following provisions of this 1
151+article: 2
145152
146-– 4 –
153+ (1) Title 5, Subtitle 4; 3
147154
148- (6) Title 8, Subtitle 4.
155+ (2) Title 7, Subtitle 1; 4
149156
150- (b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Commission
151-may impose a civil penalty not exceeding $25,000 against a person who violates a provision
152-of this division, or an effective and outstanding direction, ruling, order, rule, or regulation
153-of the Commission.
157+ (3) § 7–213 as it applies to electric cooperatives; 5
154158
155- (2) The civil penalty that the Commission may impose on a common carrier
156-for each violation may not exceed $2,500.
159+ (4) Title 8, Subtitles 1 and 3; 6
157160
158- (c) (1) A civil penalty may be imposed in addition to any other penalty
159-authorized by this division.
161+ (5) Title 9, Subtitle 3; and 7
160162
161- (2) Each violation is a separate offense.
163+ (6) Title 8, Subtitle 4. 8
162164
163- (3) Each day or part of a day the violation continues is a separate offense.
165+ (b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Commission 9
166+may impose a civil penalty not exceeding $25,000 against a person who violates a provision 10
167+of this division, or an effective and outstanding direction, ruling, order, rule, or regulation 11
168+of the Commission. 12
164169
165- (d) The Commission shall determine the amount of any civil penalty after
166-considering:
170+ (2) The civil penalty that the Commission may impose on a common carrier 13
171+for each violation may not exceed $2,500. 14
167172
168- (1) the number of previous violations of any provision of this article;
173+ (c) (1) A civil penalty may be imposed in addition to any other penalty 15
174+authorized by this division. 16
169175
170- (2) the gravity of the current violation;
176+ (2) Each violation is a separate offense. 17
171177
172- (3) the good faith efforts of the violator in attempting to achieve compliance
173-after notification of the violation; and
178+ (3) Each day or part of a day the violation continues is a separate offense. 18
174179
175- (4) any other matter that the Commission considers appropriate and
176-relevant.
180+ (d) The Commission shall determine the amount of any civil penalty after 19
181+considering: 20
177182
178- (e) (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a civil
179-penalty collected under this section shall be paid into the [General Fund of the State]
180-RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM FUND ESTABLISHED UNDE R § 9–2011 OF THE
181-STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE.
183+ (1) the number of previous violations of any provision of this article; 21
182184
183- (2) A civil penalty assessed for a violation of a service quality and reliability
184-standard under § 7–213 of this article shall be paid into the Electric Reliability Remediation
185-Fund under § 7–213(j) of this article.
185+ (2) the gravity of the current violation; 22
186186
187- (3) A civil penalty assessed for a violation of § 7–505(b)(7), § 7–507, §
188-7–603, § 7–604, or § 7–606 of this article, or a rule, an order, or a regulation adopted under
189-any of those sections, shall be paid into the Retail Choice Customer Education and
190-Protection Fund under § 7–310 of this article.
187+ (3) the good faith efforts of the violator in attempting to achieve compliance 23
188+after notification of the violation; and 24
191189
192-Article – State Finance and Procurement LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 735
190+ (4) any other matter that the Commission considers appropriate and 25
191+relevant. 26
193192
194-– 5 –
193+ (e) (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a civil 27
194+penalty collected under this section shall be paid into the [General Fund of the State] 28 SENATE BILL 256 5
195195
196-6–226.
197196
198- (a) (2) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and unless
199-inconsistent with a federal law, grant agreement, or other federal requirement or with the
200-terms of a gift or settlement agreement, net interest on all State money allocated by the
201-State Treasurer under this section to special funds or accounts, and otherwise entitled to
202-receive interest earnings, as accounted for by the Comptroller, shall accrue to the General
203-Fund of the State.
197+RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM FUND ESTABLISHED UNDE R § 9–2011 OF THE 1
198+STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 2
204199
205- (ii) The provisions of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph do not apply
206-to the following funds:
200+ (2) A civil penalty assessed for a violation of a service quality and reliability 3
201+standard under § 7–213 of this article shall be paid into the Electric Reliability Remediation 4
202+Fund under § 7–213(j) of this article. 5
207203
208- 144. the Health Equity Resource Community Reserve Fund;
209-[and]
204+ (3) A civil penalty assessed for a violation of § 7–505(b)(7), § 7–507, § 6
205+7–603, § 7–604, or § 7–606 of this article, or a rule, an order, or a regulation adopted under 7
206+any of those sections, shall be paid into the Retail Choice Customer Education and 8
207+Protection Fund under § 7–310 of this article. 9
210208
211- 145. the Access to Counsel in Evictions Special Fund; AND
209+Article – State Finance and Procurement 10
212210
213- 146. THE RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM FUND.
211+6–226. 11
214212
215-Article – State Government
213+ (a) (2) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and unless 12
214+inconsistent with a federal law, grant agreement, or other federal requirement or with the 13
215+terms of a gift or settlement agreement, net interest on all State money allocated by the 14
216+State Treasurer under this section to special funds or accounts, and otherwise entitled to 15
217+receive interest earnings, as accounted for by the Comptroller, shall accrue to the General 16
218+Fund of the State. 17
216219
217-9–2010.
220+ (ii) The provisions of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph do not apply 18
221+to the following funds: 19
218222
219- (A) (1) IN THIS SECTION THE F OLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS
220-INDICATED.
223+ 144. the Health Equity Resource Community Reserve Fund; 20
224+[and] 21
221225
222- (2) “EXTENDED GRID OUTAGE ” MEANS A PLANNED OR U NPLANNED
223-GRID OUTAGE LASTING MORE THAN 4 HOURS.
226+ 145. the Access to Counsel in Evictions Special Fund; AND 22
224227
225- (3) “LOW–INCOME” MEANS A HOUSEHOLD WI TH AN ANNUAL
226-ADJUSTED GROSS INCOM E AT OR BELOW 175% OF THE FEDERAL POVER TY LEVEL.
228+ 146. THE RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM FUND. 23
227229
228- (4) “MICROGRID” MEANS TECHNOLOGY THA T:
230+Article – State Government 24
229231
230- (I) COMBINES CLEAN , DISTRIBUTED POWER GE NERATION
231-WITH ADVANCED CONTRO L EQUIPMENT ; AND
232+9–2010. 25
232233
233- (II) ENABLES PORTIONS OF THE ELECTRIC GRID TO REMAIN
234-ONLINE WHEN THE WIDE R GRID IS DOWN.
234+ (A) (1) IN THIS SECTION THE F OLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 26
235+INDICATED. 27
235236
236- (5) “MODERATE–INCOME” MEANS A HOUSEHOLD WI TH AN ANNUAL
237-ADJUSTED GROSS INCOM E AT OR BELOW 80% OF THE LOCAL MEDIAN INCOME, AS
238-DETERMINED BY THE LA TEST MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
239-COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT “INCOME LIMITS” DOCUMENT . Ch. 735 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
237+ (2) “EXTENDED GRID OUTAGE ” MEANS A PLANNED OR U NPLANNED 28
238+GRID OUTAGE LASTING MORE THAN 4 HOURS. 29
240239
241-– 6 –
240+ (3) “LOW–INCOME” MEANS A HOUSEHOLD WI TH AN ANNUAL 30
241+ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME AT OR BELOW 175% OF THE FEDERAL POVER TY LEVEL. 31
242+ 6 SENATE BILL 256
242243
243- (6) “PROGRAM” MEANS THE RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM.
244244
245- (7) “RESILIENCY HUB ” MEANS A LOCATION WHE RE SOLAR
246-PHOTOVOLTAIC AND BAT TERY ENERGY STORAGE ARE DESIGNED TO PROV IDE
247-ELECTRICITY TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS DURI NG EXTENDED GRID OUT AGES,
248-INCLUDING PROVIDING :
245+ (4) “MICROGRID” MEANS TECHNOLOGY THA T: 1
249246
250- (I) EMERGENCY HEATING AN D COOLING;
247+ (I) COMBINES CLEAN , DISTRIBUTED POWER GE NERATION 2
248+WITH ADVANCED CONTRO L EQUIPMENT; AND 3
251249
252- (II) REFRIGERATION OF TEM PERATURE–SENSITIVE
253-MEDICATIONS ;
250+ (II) ENABLES PORTIONS OF THE ELECTRIC GRID TO REMAIN 4
251+ONLINE WHEN THE WIDER GRID IS DOWN. 5
254252
255- (III) OUTLETS OR OTHER PLU G POWER OPTIONS FOR CHARGING
256-CELL PHONE AND COMPU TER BATTERIES ; AND
253+ (5) “MODERATE–INCOME” MEANS A HOUSEHOLD WI TH AN ANNUAL 6
254+ADJUSTED GROSS INCOM E AT OR BELOW 80% OF THE LOCAL MEDIAN INCOME, AS 7
255+DETERMINED BY THE LA TEST MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND 8
256+COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT “INCOME LIMITS” DOCUMENT . 9
257257
258- (IV) VENTILATION AND EMER GENCY LIGHTING .
258+ (6) “PROGRAM” MEANS THE RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM. 10
259259
260- (B) THERE IS A RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM IN THE
261-ADMINISTRATION .
260+ (7) “RESILIENCY HUB ” MEANS A LOCATION WHE RE SOLAR 11
261+PHOTOVOLTAIC AND BAT TERY ENERGY STORAGE ARE DESIGNED TO PROV IDE 12
262+ELECTRICITY TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS DURI NG EXTENDED GRID OUT AGES, 13
263+INCLUDING PROVIDING : 14
262264
263- (C) THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO DEVELOP RESILIENCY HUBS
264-THAT SERVE LOW –INCOME AND MODERATE –INCOME HOUSEHOLDS AT NO COST TO
265-THE HOUSEHOLDS .
265+ (I) EMERGENCY HEATING AN D COOLING; 15
266266
267- (D) (1) BY REGULATION , THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL SET THE TERMS
268-AND CONDITIONS FOR T HE ISSUANCE OF GRANT S UNDER THE PROGRAM
269-CONSISTENT WITH THIS SUBTITLE.
267+ (II) REFRIGERATION OF TEM PERATURE–SENSITIVE 16
268+MEDICATIONS ; 17
270269
271- (2) THE REGULATIONS SHALL INCLUDE:
270+ (III) OUTLETS OR OTHER PLU G POWER OPTIONS FOR CHARGING 18
271+CELL PHONE AND COMPU TER BATTERIES ; AND 19
272272
273- (I) A COMPETITIVE APPLIC ATION PROCESS FOR TH E
274-PROGRAM; AND
273+ (IV) VENTILATION AND EMER GENCY LIGHTING. 20
275274
276- (II) CRITERIA AND PROCEDU RES FOR AWARDING GRA NTS TO
277-ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS THAT GIVE PRIORITY T O AWARDING GRANTS TO PROJECTS
278-FOR MICROGRIDS THAT :
275+ (B) THERE IS A RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM IN THE 21
276+ADMINISTRATION . 22
279277
280- 1. USE A COMMUNITY SOLA R ENERGY GENERATING
281-SYSTEM, AS DEFINED IN § 7–306.2 OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ARTICLE; AND
278+ (C) THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO DEVELOP RESILIENCY HUBS 23
279+THAT SERVE LOW –INCOME AND MODERATE –INCOME HOUSEHOLDS AT NO COST TO 24
280+THE HOUSEHOLDS . 25
282281
283- 2. PROVIDE MORE THAN 30% OF THE SYSTEM ’S
284-KILOWATT OUTPUT TO L OW–INCOME AND MODERATE –INCOME SUBSCRIBERS .
285- LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 735
282+ (D) (1) BY REGULATION , THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL S ET THE TERMS 26
283+AND CONDITIONS FOR T HE ISSUANCE OF GRANT S UNDER THE PROGRAM 27
284+CONSISTENT WITH THIS SUBTITLE. 28
286285
287-– 7 –
288- (E) THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A G RANT UNDER THE
289-PROGRAM:
286+ (2) THE REGULATIONS SHALL INCLUDE: 29
287+ SENATE BILL 256 7
290288
291- (1) BUSINESSES;
292289
293- (2) NONPROFIT ENTITIES ;
290+ (I) A COMPETITIVE APPLIC ATION PROCESS FOR TH E 1
291+PROGRAM; AND 2
294292
295- (3) UNITS OF STATE GOVERNMENT ; AND
293+ (II) CRITERIA AND PROCEDU RES FOR AWARDING GRANT S TO 3
294+ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS THAT GIVE PRIORITY T O AWARDING GRANTS TO PROJECTS 4
295+FOR MICROGRIDS THAT : 5
296296
297- (4) LOCAL GOVERNMENTS .
297+ 1. USE A COMMUNITY SOLA R ENERGY GENERATING 6
298+SYSTEM, AS DEFINED IN § 7–306.2 OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ARTICLE; AND 7
298299
299- (F) A PROJECT IS ELIGIBLE FOR A GRANT UNDER THE PROGRAM IF THE
300-PROJECT:
300+ 2. PROVIDE MORE T HAN 30% OF THE SYSTEM ’S 8
301+KILOWATT OUTPUT TO L OW–INCOME AND MODERATE –INCOME SUBSCRIBERS . 9
301302
302- (1) PROPOSES TO DEVELOP A RESILIENCY HUB ;
303+ (E) THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A G RANT UNDER THE 10
304+PROGRAM: 11
303305
304- (2) WILL OPERATE THE RES ILIENCY HUB FOR A PE RIOD OF AT LEAST
305-10 5 YEARS; AND
306+ (1) BUSINESSES; 12
306307
307- (3) WILL SERVE A COMMUNI TY OF MAJORITY LOW –INCOME OR
308-MODERATE –INCOME HOUSEHOLDS .
308+ (2) NONPROFIT ENTITIES ; 13
309309
310- (G) THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL :
310+ (3) UNITS OF STATE GOVERNMENT ; AND 14
311311
312- (1) COORDINATE ADMINISTR ATION OF THE PROGRAM WITH THE
313-MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ; AND
312+ (4) LOCAL GOVERNMENTS . 15
314313
315- (2) PROVIDE TO GRANT APP LICANTS INFORMATION ON OTHER
316-SOURCES OF ASSISTANC E THAT MAY BENEFIT THE PROJECT , INCLUDING LOANS AND
317-GRANTS AWARDED UNDER § 9–20B–05(I)(3) OF THIS TITLE.
314+ (F) A PROJECT IS ELIGIBLE FOR A GRANT UNDER TH E PROGRAM IF THE 16
315+PROJECT: 17
318316
319- (H) A PERSON WHO RECEIVES A GRANT UNDER THE PROGRAM SHALL :
317+ (1) PROPOSES TO DEVELOP A RESILIENCY HUB ; 18
320318
321- (1) ATTEST IN WRITING ACQUIRE A WRITTEN AT TESTATION THAT ALL
322-INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTR ACTORS WORKING ON TH E PROJECT:
319+ (2) WILL OPERATE THE RES ILIENCY HUB FOR A PE RIOD OF AT LEAST 19
320+10 5 YEARS; AND 20
323321
324- (I) PAY AT LEAST 150% OF THE STATE MINIMUM WAGE ;
322+ (3) WILL SERVE A COMMUNI TY OF MAJORITY LOW–INCOME OR 21
323+MODERATE–INCOME HOUSEHOLDS . 22
325324
326- (II) PROVIDE CAREER ADVAN CEMENT TRAINING ;
325+ (G) THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL : 23
327326
328- (III) (II) AFFORD EMPLOYEES THE RIGHT TO BARGAIN
329-COLLECTIVELY FOR WAG ES AND BENEFITS ;
327+ (1) COORDINATE ADMINISTR ATION OF THE PROGRAM WITH THE 24
328+MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ; AND 25
330329
331- (IV) (III) PROVIDE PAID LEAVE ; Ch. 735 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
330+ (2) PROVIDE TO GRANT APP LICANTS INFORMATION ON OTHER 26
331+SOURCES OF ASSISTANC E THAT MAY BENEFIT T HE PROJECT, INCLUDING LOANS AND 27
332+GRANTS AWARDED UNDER § 9–20B–05(I)(3) OF THIS TITLE. 28
332333
333-– 8 –
334+ (H) A PERSON WHO RECEIVES A GRANT UNDER THE PROGRAM SHALL : 29 8 SENATE BILL 256
334335
335- (V) (IV) ARE CONSIDERED “COVERED EMPLOYMENT ” FOR
336-PURPOSES OF UNEMPLOY MENT INSURANCE BENEF ITS IN ACCORDANCE WI TH TITLE
337-8 OF THE LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ARTICLE;
338336
339- (VI) (V) ENTITLE THE EMPLOYEE S TO WORKERS ’
340-COMPENSATION BENEFIT S IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE 9 OF THE LABOR AND
341-EMPLOYMENT ARTICLE;
342337
343- (VII) (VI) HAVE BEEN IN COMPLIA NCE WITH FEDERAL AND
344-STATE WAGE AND HOUR L AWS FOR THE LONGER O F THE IMMEDIATELY PR ECEDING
345-3 YEARS OR FOR THE DUR ATION OF THE CONTRAC TOR’S OR SUBCONTRACTOR ’S
346-BUSINESS OPERATION ; AND
338+ (1) ATTEST IN WRITING ACQUIRE A WRITTEN AT TESTATION THAT ALL 1
339+INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS WO RKING ON THE PROJECT : 2
347340
348- (VIII) (VII) OFFER EMPLOYER –PROVIDED HEALTH INSU RANCE
349-BENEFITS WITH MONTHL Y PREMIUMS THAT DO N OT EXCEED 8.5% OF THE
350-EMPLOYEE’S NET MONTHLY EARNIN GS; AND
341+ (I) PAY AT LEAST 150% OF THE STATE MINIMUM WAGE ; 3
351342
352- (IX) OFFER RETIREMENT BEN EFITS; AND
343+ (II) PROVIDE CAREER ADVAN CEMENT TRAINING ; 4
353344
354- (2) PROVIDE TO THE ADMINISTRATION A PROG RESS REPORT ON OR
355-BEFORE JANUARY 10, APRIL 10, JULY 10, AND OCTOBER 10 EACH YEAR.
345+ (III) (II) AFFORD EMPLOYEES THE RIGHT TO BARGAIN 5
346+COLLECTIVELY FOR WAG ES AND BENEFITS ; 6
356347
357-9–2011.
348+ (IV) (III) PROVIDE PAID LEAVE; 7
358349
359- (A) (1) IN THIS SECTION THE F OLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS
360-INDICATED.
350+ (V) (IV) ARE CONSIDERED “COVERED EMPLOYMENT ” FOR 8
351+PURPOSES OF UNEMPLOY MENT INSURANCE BENEF ITS IN ACCORDANCE WI TH TITLE 9
352+8 OF THE LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ARTICLE; 10
361353
362- (2) “FUND” MEANS THE RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM FUND.
354+ (VI) (V) ENTITLE THE EMPLOYEE S TO WORKERS ’ 11
355+COMPENSATION BENEFIT S IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE 9 OF THE LABOR AND 12
356+EMPLOYMENT ARTICLE; 13
363357
364- (3) “PROGRAM” MEANS THE RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM
365-ESTABLISHED UNDER § 9–2010 OF THIS SUBTITLE .
358+ (VII) (VI) HAVE BEEN IN COMPLIA NCE WITH FEDERAL AND 14
359+STATE WAGE AND HOUR L AWS FOR THE LONGER O F THE IMMEDIATELY PR ECEDING 15
360+3 YEARS OR FOR THE DUR ATION OF THE CONTRAC TOR’S OR SUBCONTRACTOR ’S 16
361+BUSINESS OPERA TION; AND 17
366362
367- (B) THERE IS A RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM FUND.
363+ (VIII) (VII) OFFER EMPLOYER –PROVIDED HEALTH INSU RANCE 18
364+BENEFITS WITH MONTHL Y PREMIUMS THAT DO N OT EXCEED 8.5% OF THE 19
365+EMPLOYEE’S NET MONTHLY EARNIN GS; AND 20
368366
369- (C) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO PROVIDE GR ANTS UNDER THE
370-PROGRAM.
367+ (IX) OFFER RETIREMENT BEN EFITS; AND 21
371368
372- (D) THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL ADMINISTER THE FUND.
369+ (2) PROVIDE TO THE ADMINISTRATION A PROG RESS REPORT ON OR 22
370+BEFORE JANUARY 10, APRIL 10, JULY 10, AND OCTOBER 10 EACH YEAR. 23
373371
374- (E) (1) THE FUND IS A SPECI AL, NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT
375-SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE.
376- LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 735
372+9–2011. 24
377373
378-– 9 –
379- (2) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL HOLD THE FUND SEPARATELY ,
380-AND THE COMPTROLLER SHALL ACC OUNT FOR THE FUND.
374+ (A) (1) IN THIS SECTION THE F OLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 25
375+INDICATED. 26
381376
382- (F) THE FUND CONSISTS OF :
377+ (2) “FUND” MEANS THE RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM FUND. 27
383378
384- (1) GRANT FUNDING OBTAINED UNDER SUBSE CTION (K) OF THIS
385-SECTION;
379+ (3) “PROGRAM” MEANS THE RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM 28
380+ESTABLISHED UNDER § 9–2010 OF THIS SUBTITLE. 29
381+ SENATE BILL 256 9
386382
387- (2) FUNDS DISTRIBUTED TO THE FUND UNDER § 9–20B–05 OF THIS
388-TITLE AND §§ 2–110.1 AND 13–201 OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ARTICLE;
389383
390- (3) MONEY APPROPRIATED I N THE STATE BUDGET TO THE FUND;
384+ (B) THERE IS A RESILIENCY HUB GRANT PROGRAM FUND. 1
391385
392- (4) INTEREST EARNINGS; AND
386+ (C) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO PROVIDE GR ANTS UNDER THE 2
387+PROGRAM. 3
393388
394- (5) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACC EPTED FOR
395-THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND.
389+ (D) THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL ADMINISTER THE FUND. 4
396390
397- (G) THE FUND MAY BE USED ONLY FOR:
391+ (E) (1) THE FUND IS A SPECIAL , NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT 5
392+SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE. 6
398393
399- (1) GRANTS AWARDED UNDER THE PROGRAM; AND
394+ (2) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL HOLD THE FUND SEPARATELY , 7
395+AND THE COMPTROLLER SHALL ACC OUNT FOR THE FUND. 8
400396
401- (2) COSTS ASSOCIATED WIT H ADMINISTERING THE PROGRAM AND
402-THE FUND.
397+ (F) THE FUND CONSISTS OF : 9
403398
404- (H) (1) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL INVES T THE MONEY OF THE FUND
405-IN THE SAME MANNER A S OTHER STATE MONEY MAY BE IN VESTED.
399+ (1) GRANT FUNDING OBTAIN ED UNDER SUBSECTION (K) OF THIS 10
400+SECTION; 11
406401
407- (2) ANY INTEREST EARNINGS OF THE FUND SHALL BE CREDITE D TO
408-THE FUND.
402+ (2) FUNDS DISTRIBUTED TO THE FUND UNDER § 9–20B–05 OF THIS 12
403+TITLE AND §§ 2–110.1 AND 13–201 OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ARTICLE; 13
409404
410- (I) EXPENDITURES FROM THE FUND MAY BE MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE
411-WITH THE STATE BUDGET .
405+ (3) MONEY APPROPRIATED I N THE STATE BUDGET TO THE FUND; 14
412406
413- (J) MONEY EXPENDED FROM T HE FUND FOR THE PROGRAM IS
414-SUPPLEMENTAL TO AND IS NOT INTENDED TO T AKE THE PLACE OF FUN DING THAT
415-OTHERWISE WOULD BE A PPROPRIATED FOR THE PROGRAM.
407+ (4) INTEREST EARNINGS ; AND 15
416408
417- (K) THE ADMINISTRATION AND TH E MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF
418-EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT , IN COORDINATION WITH ANY OTHER APPROPRIAT E
419-UNIT OF STATE GOVERNMENT , SHALL IDENTIFY AND A PPLY FOR GRANT FUNDI NG,
420-INCLUDING FEDERAL GR ANT FUNDING , TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAM.
409+ (5) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACC EPTED FOR 16
410+THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND. 17
421411
422-9–20B–05. Ch. 735 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
412+ (G) THE FUND MAY BE USED ONLY FOR: 18
423413
424-– 10 –
414+ (1) GRANTS AWARDED UNDER THE PROGRAM; AND 19
425415
426- (f) The Administration shall use the Fund:
416+ (2) COSTS ASSOCIATED WIT H ADMINISTERING THE PROGRAM AND 20
417+THE FUND. 21
427418
428- (10) subject to subsections (f–2) and (f–3) of this section, to invest in
429-pre–apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and registered apprenticeship programs to
430-establish career paths in the clean energy industry under § 11–708.1 of the Labor and
431-Employment Article, as follows:
419+ (H) (1) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL INVES T THE MONEY OF THE FUND 22
420+IN THE SAME MANNER A S OTHER STATE MONEY MAY BE IN VESTED. 23
432421
433- (i) $1,250,000 for grants to pre–apprenticeship jobs training
434-programs under § 11–708.1(c)(3) of the Labor and Employment Article starting in fiscal
435-year 2021 until all amounts are spent;
422+ (2) ANY INTEREST EARNINGS OF THE FUND SHALL BE CREDITE D TO 24
423+THE FUND. 25
436424
437- (ii) $6,000,000 for grants to youth apprenticeship jobs training
438-programs and registered apprenticeship jobs training programs under § 11–708.1(c)(5) of
439-the Labor and Employment Article starting in fiscal year 2021 until all amounts are spent;
440-and
425+ (I) EXPENDITURES FROM THE FUND MAY BE MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE 26
426+WITH THE STATE BUDGET . 27
427+ 10 SENATE BILL 256
441428
442- (iii) $750,000 for the recruitment of individuals, including veterans
443-and formerly incarcerated individuals, to the pre–apprenticeship jobs training programs
444-and the registered apprenticeship jobs training programs under § 11–708.1 of the Labor
445-and Employment Article starting in fiscal year 2021 until all amounts are spent; [and]
446429
447- (11) TO PROVIDE AT LEAST $500,000 EACH YEAR TO THE RESILIENCY
448-HUB GRANT PROGRAM FUND UNDER § 9–2011 OF THIS TITLE; AND
430+ (J) MONEY EXPENDED FROM T HE FUND FOR THE PROGRAM IS 1
431+SUPPLEMENTAL TO AND IS NOT INTENDED TO T AKE THE PLACE OF FUN DING THAT 2
432+OTHERWISE WOULD BE A PPROPRIATED FOR THE PROGRAM. 3
449433
450- [(11)] (12) to pay the expenses of the Program.
434+ (K) THE ADMINISTRATION AND TH E MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF 4
435+EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT , IN COORDINATION WITH ANY OTHER APPROPRIAT E 5
436+UNIT OF STATE GOVERNMENT , SHALL IDENTIFY AND A PPLY FOR GRANT FUNDI NG, 6
437+INCLUDING FEDERAL GR ANT FUNDING, TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAM. 7
451438
452- (i) (1) In this subsection, “low–income” means having an annual household
453-income that is at or below 175% of the federal poverty level.
439+9–20B–05. 8
454440
455- (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, compliance fees
456-paid under § 7–705(b) of the Public Utilities Article may be used only to make loans and
457-grants to support the creation of new Tier 1 renewable energy sources in the State that are
458-owned by or directly benefit low–income residents of the State.
441+ (f) The Administration shall use the Fund: 9
459442
460- (3) Compliance fees paid under § 7–705(b)(2)(i)2 of the Public Utilities
461-Article shall be accounted for separately within the Fund and may be used only to make
462-loans and grants to support the creation of new solar energy sources in the State that are
463-owned by or directly benefit low–income residents of the State.
443+ (10) subject to subsections (f–2) and (f–3) of this section, to invest in 10
444+pre–apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and registered apprenticeship programs to 11
445+establish career paths in the clean energy industry under § 11–708.1 of the Labor and 12
446+Employment Article, as follows: 13
464447
465- SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That th is Act shall take effect
466-October 1, 2022.
448+ (i) $1,250,000 for grants to pre–apprenticeship jobs training 14
449+programs under § 11–708.1(c)(3) of the Labor and Employment Article starting in fiscal 15
450+year 2021 until all amounts are spent; 16
467451
468-Enacted under Article II, § 17(c) of the Maryland Constitution, May 29, 2022.
452+ (ii) $6,000,000 for grants to youth apprenticeship jobs training 17
453+programs and registered apprenticeship jobs training programs under § 11–708.1(c)(5) of 18
454+the Labor and Employment Article starting in fiscal year 2021 until all amounts are spent; 19
455+and 20
456+
457+ (iii) $750,000 for the recruitment of individuals, including veterans 21
458+and formerly incarcerated individuals, to the pre–apprenticeship jobs training programs 22
459+and the registered apprenticeship jobs training programs under § 11–708.1 of the Labor 23
460+and Employment Article starting in fiscal year 2021 until all amounts are spent; [and] 24
461+
462+ (11) TO PROVIDE AT LEAST $500,000 EACH YEAR TO THE RESILIENCY 25
463+HUB GRANT PROGRAM FUND UNDER § 9–2011 OF THIS TITLE; AND 26
464+
465+ [(11)] (12) to pay the expenses of the Program. 27
466+
467+ (i) (1) In this subsection, “low–income” means having an annual household 28
468+income that is at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. 29
469+
470+ (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, compliance fees 30
471+paid under § 7–705(b) of the Public Utilities Article may be used only to make loans and 31
472+grants to support the creation of new Tier 1 renewable energy sources in the State that are 32
473+owned by or directly benefit low–income residents of the State. 33
474+ SENATE BILL 256 11
475+
476+
477+ (3) Compliance fees paid under § 7–705(b)(2)(i)2 of the Public Utilities 1
478+Article shall be accounted for separately within the Fund and may be used only to make 2
479+loans and grants to support the creation of new solar energy sources in the State that are 3
480+owned by or directly benefit low–income residents of the State. 4
481+
482+ SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTE D, That this Act shall take effect 5
483+October 1, 2022. 6
484+
485+
486+
487+
488+
489+Approved:
490+________________________________________________________________________________
491+ Governor.
492+________________________________________________________________________________
493+ President of the Senate.
494+________________________________________________________________________________
495+ Speaker of the House of Delegates.