WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 1 – Chapter 99 (Senate Bill 551) AN ACT concerning Education – Service Year Option Program – Establishment Department of Service and Civic Innovation and Maryland Corps Program Service Year Option Pathways – Established (Serving Every Region Through Vocational Exploration Act of 2023) FOR the purpose of establishing the Service Year Option Program; requiring the Department of Service and Civic Innovation to administer and provide staff for the Program; requiring a Program participant to work at least a certain number of hours per week and partner with an on–site mentor while working in a service placement; requiring a participating employer to pay a Program participant a certain wage; authorizing the Department to disburse a stipend of up to a certain amount to a Program participant who completes a service placement; requiring a Program participant to perform certain duties and participate in certain training and activities as part of a service placement; establishing the Service Year Option Program Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund; requiring interest earnings of the Fund to be credited to the Fund; requiring the Department to procure the services of a third–party entity to conduct an independent study and assessment of the Program and submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before a certain date; requiring the Department, on or before a certain date, to publish an online dashboard of key performance indicators shown in the report; Department of Service and Civic Innovation; providing for the purpose, duties, administration, and staffing of the Department; establishing the Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation and the duties and responsibilities of the Secretary; altering the provisions of the Maryland Corps Program, including requiring the Department to administer the Program, renaming the Board of Directors of the Maryland Corps Program to be the Maryland Corps Program Advisory Board, establishing the Maryland Service Year Option Pathway and the Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway as two pathways under the Program, renaming the Maryland Corps Program Fund to be the Maryland Service Year Option Pathway Fund, and specifying the purposes, use, administration, and contents of the Maryland Service Year Option Pathway Fund; establishing the Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway Fund; providing for the purposes, use, administration, and contents of the Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway Fund; providing for the expiration of the terms of the initial members of the Maryland Corps Program Advisory Board; and generally relating to the establishment of the Department of Service and Civic Innovation and the Maryland Corps Program Service Year Option Program Pathways. BY adding to Article – Education Section 24–11A–01 through 24–11A–07 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 11A. Service Year Option Program” Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 2 – Annotated Code of Maryland (2022 Replacement Volume) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article – Education Section 15–106.9 Annotated Code of Maryland (2022 Replacement Volume) (As enacted by Chapter 1 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2023) BY repealing Article – State Government Section 9–2801 through 9–2808, the part “Part I. General Provisions”, and the subtitle “Subtitle 28. Department of Service and Civic Innovation” Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) (As enacted by Chapter 1 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2023) BY renumbering Article – State Government Section 9–2811 through 9–2820 and the part “Part II. Maryland Corps Program” and 9–2823 through 9–2828 and the part “Part III. Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism” to be Section 21–201 through 21–210 and the new subtitle “Subtitle 2. Maryland Corps Program” and 21–301 through 21–306 and the new subtitle “Subtitle 3. Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism”, respectively Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) (As enacted by Chapter 1 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2023) BY repealing Article – State Finance and Procurement Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)92. Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) BY renumbering Article – State Finance and Procurement Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)93. through 171. to be Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)92. through 170., respectively Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article – State Government Section 8–201 WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 3 – Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) (As enacted by Chapter 1 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2023) BY adding to Article – State Government Section 21–101 through 21–107 to be under the new title “Title 21. Department of Service and Civic Innovation” and the new subtitle “Subtitle 1. General Provisions”; and 21–206 through 21–210 Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article – State Government Section 21–201 through 21–203, 21–205, and 21–207 through 21–210 Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) (As enacted by Section 2 of this Act) BY repealing Article – State Government Section 21–204 and 21–206 Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) (As enacted by Section 2 of this Act) BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, Article – State Finance and Procurement Section 6–226(a)(2)(i) Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article – State Finance and Procurement Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)170. and 171. 6–226(a)(2)(ii)169. and 170. Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) (As enacted by Section 5 of this Act) BY adding to Article – State Finance and Procurement Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)172. and 173. 6–226(a)(2)(ii)171. and 172. Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 4 – SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That Section(s) 9–2801 through 9–2808, the part “Part I. General Provisions”, and the subtitle “Subtitle 28. Department of Service and Civic Innovation” of Article – State Government of the Annotated Code of Maryland be repealed. SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section(s) 9 –2811 through 9–2820 and the part “Part II. Maryland Corps Program” of Article – State Government of the Annotated Code of Maryland be renumbered to be Section(s) 21–201 through 21–210, respectively, and the subtitle “Subtitle 2. Maryland Corps Program”. SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section(s) 9 –2823 through 9–2828 and the part “Part III. Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism” of Article – State Government of the Annotated Code of Maryland be renumbered to be Section(s) 21–301 through 21–306, respectively, and the subtitle “Subtitle 3. Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism”. SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section(s) 6 –226(a)(2)(ii)92 of Article – State Finance and Procurement of the Annotated Code of Maryland be repealed. SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section(s) 6 –226(a)(2)(ii)93 through 171 of Article – State Finance and Procurement of the Annotated Code of Maryland be renumbered to be Section(s) 6–226(a)(2)(ii)92 through 170, respectively. SECTION 1. 4. 6. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND , That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Article – Education 15–106.9. (a) In this section, “residency requirement” means the requirement of a public senior higher education institution that a student has resided in the State for 12 consecutive months to be considered a resident and receive in–State tuition status. (b) For in–State tuition purposes, a public senior higher education institution shall waive the in–State residency requirement for an individual who has completed: (1) All service hours for an AmeriCorps Program in the State; or (2) A service program under the Maryland Corps Program under [Title 9, Subtitle 28] TITLE 21, SUBTITLE 2 of the State Government Article. (c) A student is responsible for the difference between in–State and out–of–state tuition if the student does not retain residence in the State for the remainder of the school year for which in–State tuition was received. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 5 – Article – State Government 8–201. (a) The Executive Branch of the State government shall have not more than 21 principal departments, each of which shall embrace a broad, functional area of that Branch. (b) The principal departments of the Executive Branch of the State government are: (1) Aging; (2) Agriculture; (3) Budget and Management; (4) Commerce; (5) Disabilities; (6) Emergency Management; (7) the Environment; (8) General Services; (9) Health; (10) Housing and Community Development; (11) Human Services; (12) Information Technology; (13) Juvenile Services; (14) Labor; (15) Natural Resources; (16) Planning; (17) Public Safety and Correctional Services; (18) SERVICE AND CIVIC INNOVATION; Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 6 – [(18)] (19) State Police; [(19)] (20) Transportation; and [(20)] (21) Veterans Affairs. TITLE 21. DEPARTMENT OF SERVICE AND CIVIC INNOVATION. SUBTITLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. 21–101. (A) IN THIS TITLE THE FOL LOWING WORDS HAVE TH E MEANINGS INDICATED. (B) “DEPARTMENT ” MEANS THE DEPARTMENT OF SERVICE AND CIVIC INNOVATION. (C) “SECRETARY” MEANS THE SECRETARY OF SERVICE AND CIVIC INNOVATION. 21–102. (A) THERE IS A DEPARTMENT OF SERVICE AND CIVIC INNOVATION, ESTABLISHED AS A PRI NCIPAL DEPARTMENT OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT . (B) THE PURPOSE OF THE DEPARTMENT IS TO PROM OTE SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERISM IN THE STATE. 21–103. (A) (1) THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT IS THE SECRETARY OF SERVICE AND CIVIC INNOVATION, WHO SHALL BE APPOINT ED BY THE GOVERNOR WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT O F THE SENATE. (2) THE SECRETARY SHALL TAKE THE OATH OF OFFICE R EQUIRED UNDER ARTICLE I, § 9 OF THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION. (B) THE SECRETARY IS A MEMBER OF THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. (C) (1) THE SECRETARY SERVES AT T HE PLEASURE OF THE GOVERNOR AND IS RESPONSIBLE D IRECTLY TO THE GOVERNOR. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 7 – (2) THE SECRETARY SHALL ADVIS E THE GOVERNOR ON ALL MATTERS ASSIGNED TO THE DEPARTMENT AND IS RES PONSIBLE FOR CARRYIN G OUT THE GOVERNOR’S POLICIES ON THESE MATTERS. (D) (1) THE SECRETARY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND SHALL ESTABLISH GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES TO PR OMOTE THE ORDERLY AND EFFI CIENT ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT . (2) THE SECRETARY MAY ESTABLI SH, REORGANIZE , OR ABOLISH AREAS OF RESPONSIBIL ITY IN THE DEPARTMENT AS NECESSA RY TO FULFILL THE DUTIES ASSIGNED TO T HE SECRETARY. (E) THE SECRETARY IS ENTITLED TO THE SALARY PROVID ED IN THE STATE BUDGET. 21–104. (A) THE SECRETARY MAY EMPLOY A STAFF IN ACCORDANC E WITH THE STATE BUDGET . (B) THE SECRETARY MAY APPOINT A DEPUTY SECRETARY AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL STAFF A ND CONTRACT WITH CON SULTANTS AS AUTHORIZ ED REPRESENTATIVES . (C) THE SECRETARY SHALL APPOI NT AND REMOVE ALL ST AFF IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE STATE PERSONNEL AND PENSIONS ARTICLE. 21–105. (A) THE SECRETARY IS RESPONSI BLE FOR THE BUDGET O F THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY AND THE BUD GET FOR EACH UNIT IN THE DEPARTMENT . (B) THE SECRETARY MAY ADOPT R ULES AND REGULATIONS IN CARRYING OUT THE PROVISIONS O F LAW THAT ARE WITHI N THE JURISDICTION OF THE DEPARTMENT . (C) THE SECRETARY MAY CREATE ANY ADVISORY COUNCIL THAT THE SECRETARY CONSIDERS N ECESSARY AND ASSIGN APPROPRIATE FUNCTION S TO IT. (D) THE SECRETARY SHALL HAVE A SEAL. (E) (1) THE SECRETARY IS RESPONSI BLE FOR THE COORDI NATION AND DIRECTION OF ALL PLA NNING THAT THE OFFIC E OF THE SECRETARY INITIATES . Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 8 – (2) THE SECRETARY SHALL KEEP FULLY APPRISED OF PL ANS, PROPOSALS, AND PROJECTS OF EACH UNIT IN THE DEPARTMENT AND , EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED O THERWISE, MAY APPROVE , DISAPPROVE, OR MODIFY ANY OF THEM. (F) EACH UNIT IN THE DEPARTMENT SHALL REPO RT TO THE SECRETARY AS PROVIDED IN THE R ULES, REGULATIONS , OR WRITTEN DIRECTIVE S THAT THE SECRETARY ADOPTS . (G) THE SECRETARY MAY APPLY F OR, RECEIVE, AND SPEND GRANTS–IN–AID BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OR ANY OF ITS AGENCI ES OR ANY OTHER FEDERAL FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE TO TH E DEPARTMENT FOR USE IN CARRYING OUT THE POW ERS AND DUTIES OF TH E SECRETARY OR THE DEPARTMENT . (H) EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE P ROVIDED BY LAW AND §§ 21–205(G) AND 21–206(E) OF THIS TITLE, THE SECRETARY SHALL PAY A LL MONEY COLLECTED B Y THE DEPARTMENT UNDER THIS TITLE INTO THE GENERAL FUND OF THE STATE. (I) THE SECRETARY SHALL CARRY OUT AND ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE, THE RULES AND REGULA TIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT, AND ANY OTHER PROVISIONS OF LAW TH AT RELATE TO THE SECRETARY OR THE DEPARTMENT . 21–106. (A) THE SECRETARY SHALL : (1) PROMOTE SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERISM IN THE STATE BY PARTNERING WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT , LOCAL GOVERNMENTS , AND NONGOVERNMENTAL ENTI TIES TO FULFILL THE PURPOSES OF THIS TIT LE; AND (2) IDENTIFY, DEVELOP, AND IMPLEMENT INITIA TIVES TO INCREASE SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERISM IN THE STATE TO CREATE OPPOR TUNITIES AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITI ES. (B) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL : (1) PROMOTE THE USE OF V OLUNTEERS IN STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT , EMPLOYERS , AND NONPROFIT ORGANI ZATIONS; (2) COORDINATE AND OVERS EE THE ACTIVITIES OF: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 9 – (I) THE MARYLAND CORPS PROGRAM UNDER SUBTITLE 2 OF THIS TITLE; AND (II) THE GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION ON SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERISM ; (3) DEVELOP AND IMPLEMEN T MODEL PROGRAMS FOR A STATEWIDE CLEARINGHOUSE , SKILL BANKS, OR INFORMATION CENTE RS FOR VOLUNTEERS AND PROJECTS IN THE STATE; (4) DEVELOP AND IMPLEMEN T VOLUNTEER RECOGNIT ION EVENTS FOR VOLUNTEERS IN STATE PROGRAMS AND PR OVIDE TECHNICAL ASSI STANCE AND SUPPORT FOR RECOGNIT ION EVENTS IN NONPUB LIC PROGRAMS TO INCR EASE THE VISIBILITY AND STATUS OF VOLUNTEERS AND THEIR ACCOMPLISH MENTS; (5) ADMINISTER: (I) THE MARYLAND CORPS PROGRAM UNDER SUBTITLE 2 OF THIS TITLE; (II) THE EXECUTIVE FELLOWS PROGRAM UNDER § 21–306 OF THIS TITLE; AND (III) ANY OTHER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM RECOMMENDED OR DESIGNATED BY THE GOVERNOR OR OTHERWISE ESTABLISHED BY LAW ; (6) LIAISE WITH NATIONAL , STATE, AND LOCAL VOLUNTEERI SM GROUPS TO OBTAIN INF ORMATION ON FEDERAL , STATE, LOCAL, AND PRIVATE RESOURCES THAT MAY E NHANCE VOLUNTEER PROJECTS W ITHIN THE STATE; (7) CONDUCT STUDIES AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE VOLUNTEER RECRUITMEN T AND TRAINING , VOLUNTEER RETENTION , AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF VO LUNTEER PROGRAMS ; AND (8) PROVIDE STAFF SUPPOR T FOR THE GOVERNOR’S VOLUNTEER COUNCIL. 21–107. (A) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS LEGAL ADVI SER TO THE DEPARTMENT . (B) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL ASSIGN TO THE DEPARTMENT THE NUMBER OF ASSISTANT ATTORNEYS GENERAL AU THORIZED BY LAW TO B E ASSIGNED Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 10 – TO THE DEPARTMENT AND ANY AD DITIONAL ASSISTANT ATTO RNEYS GENERAL NECESSARY TO GIVE EF FECTIVE LEGAL ADVICE AND COUNSEL . (C) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ALSO SHALL DE SIGNATE AN ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL AS COUNSEL TO THE DEPARTMENT . Subtitle 2. Maryland Corps Program. 21–201. (a) In this [part] SUBTITLE the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “ADVISORY Board” means the MARYLAND CORPS PROGRAM ADVISORY Board [of Directors of the Program]. (c) “Corps participant” means an individual who participates in the Program. (D) “DEPARTMENT ” MEANS THE DEPARTMENT OF SERVICE AND CIVIC INNOVATION. (E) “MSY PATHWAY” MEANS THE MARYLAND SERVICE YEAR OPTION PATHWAY. [(d)] (F) “MSY PATHWAY Fund” means the Maryland [Corps Program] SERVICE YEAR OPTION PATHWAY Fund. [(e)] (G) “Participating organization” means a BUSINESS, nonprofit organization, or government agency that: (1) has a focus on community or other service, service learning, volunteerism, or other activities or experiences with a similar mission; (2) hosts a program participant in a service role; and (3) complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Title 20, Subtitle 6 of this article. [(f)] (H) “Program” means the Maryland Corps Program. [(g)] (I) “Wraparound services” includes: (1) child care; (2) transportation; WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 11 – (3) housing; (4) [mental] BEHAVIORAL health; (5) crisis intervention; (6) substance abuse prevention or treatment; (7) legal aid; (8) financial literacy programming; (9) job search and application support; and (10) college application support. (J) “YA PATHWAY” MEANS THE YOUNG ADULT SERVICE YEAR OPTION PATHWAY. (K) “YA PATHWAY FUND” MEANS THE YOUNG ADULT SERVICE YEAR OPTION PATHWAY FUND. 21–202. (a) (1) There is a Maryland Corps Program in the State administered and managed by the [Board] DEPARTMENT . (2) THE PROGRAM HAS TWO PATHW AYS: (I) THE YOUNG ADULT SERVICE YEAR OPTION PATHWAY; AND (II) THE MARYLAND SERVICE YEAR OPTION PATHWAY. (b) [(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Program is exempt from Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article. (2)] The Program is subject to Title 14, Subtitle 3 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. (c) The purpose of the Program is to: (1) provide meaningful service opportunities to CORPS participants that will address the social needs of the community; Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 12 – (2) equip corps participants with the skills that will enable them to successfully make the transition from high school to an institution of higher education or to the workforce; and (3) provide [scholarships] PROGRAM COMPLETION AW ARDS to corps participants who have completed the Program [to be used at institutions of higher education toward vocational certificates, associate’s degrees, or bachelor’s degrees]. (d) The Program is subject to review under § 2–1220 of this article. 21–203. (a) [(1) A Board of Directors shall administer and manage the Program. (2) The Board is a body politic and corporate and is an instrumentality of the State. (b)] (1) THERE IS A MARYLAND CORPS PROGRAM ADVISORY BOARD. (2) The ADVISORY Board consists of the following members: [(1)] (I) a Board Chair, [jointly] appointed by the [President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House] GOVERNOR; [(2)] (II) two members jointly appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House: [(i)] 1. one of whom must represent a service organization in the State; and [(ii)] 2. one of whom shall be: [1.] A. a current participant in a public service program; or [2.] B. a former participant in a public service program whose participation ended during the preceding 3 years; [(3)] (III) one member appointed by the President of the Senate; [(4)] (IV) one member appointed by the Speaker of the House; and [(5)] (V) [two] FOUR members appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall be a representative from the [Governor’s Office of Service and Volunteerism] MARYLAND STATE SERVICE COMMISSION. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 13 – [(c)] (B) In making appointments to the ADVISORY Board, the President, Speaker, and Governor shall consider: (1) the professional or personal experience of the individual in community or other service, nonprofit management, civic engagement, or volunteerism; [and] (2) the cultural, geographic, racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of the State; AND (3) AN INDIVIDUAL’S EXPERIENCE AND KNO WLEDGE IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT , INCLUDING REGIONAL W ORKFORCE NEEDS , TRAINING, CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMM ING, AND WORKFORCE INVEST MENT BOARDS . [(d)] (C) A member of the ADVISORY Board: (1) may not receive compensation as a member of the ADVISORY Board; but (2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. [(e)] (D) (1) The term of a member of the ADVISORY Board is 4 years. (2) The terms of the members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members on June 1, [2022] 2023. (3) A MEMBER MAY BE REAPPO INTED BUT MAY NOT SE RVE MORE THAN TWO CONSECUTIVE FULL TERMS. [(3)] (4) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. [(f)] (E) (1) A member appointed by the President may be removed by the President for the reasons stated in paragraph (5) of this subsection. (2) A member appointed by the Speaker may be removed by the Speaker for the reasons stated in paragraph (5) of this subsection. (3) A member appointed by the Governor may be removed by the Governor for the reasons stated in paragraph (5) of this subsection. (4) The ADVISORY Board Chair may be removed [jointly by the President and the Speaker] BY THE GOVERNOR for the reasons stated in paragraph (5) of this subsection. Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 14 – (5) A member of the ADVISORY Board may be removed for: (i) incompetence; (ii) misconduct; (iii) immorality; or (iv) failure to perform the duties of the position. [(g)] (F) ADVISORY Board members are subject to the requirements of Title 5 of the General Provisions Article. [(h)] (G) (1) The ADVISORY Board shall meet at least [once every 2 months] THREE TIMES EACH YEA R. (2) ADVISORY Board meetings are subject to the requirements of Title 3 of the General Provisions Article. (H) THE ADVISORY BOARD HAS THE FOLLOWI NG DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : (1) BE A LIAISON WITH TH E DEPARTMENT IN : (I) SEEKING COMMUNITY SE RVICE OPPORTUNITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROGRAM EXPANSION ; (II) RECRUITING CORPS PAR TICIPANTS; (III) SEEKING GIFTS OR GRA NTS AND OTHER FINANC IAL RESOURCES FOR THE BE NEFIT OF THE PROGRAM; AND (IV) MAINTAINING RELATION SHIPS WITH CURRENT A ND FORMER CORPS PARTICI PANTS; (2) ADVISE THE DEPARTMENT ON BEST PR ACTICES FOR SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERISM ; (3) PROVIDE OVERSIGHT OF TH E DESIGN , DEVELOPMENT , IMPLEMENTATION , OPERATION, AND EXPANSION OF THE PROGRAM; (4) PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAM–SPONSORED EVENTS ; AND (5) ANY OTHER DUTIES AS DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT . WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 15 – [21–204. (a) (1) The Board shall appoint an Executive Director. (2) The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Board. (3) The Board shall determine the salary of the Executive Director. (b) (1) The Executive Director is the chief administrative officer of the Program. (2) The Executive Director shall manage the administrative affairs and technical activities of the Program in accordance with the policies and procedures that the Board establishes. (c) (1) The Board may employ a staff in accordance with its budget. (2) Staff employed under this section are State employees who: (i) are subject to the requirements of Title 5 of the General Provisions Article; and (ii) may participate in the State Retirement and Pension System under Division II of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.] [21–205.] 21–204. (a) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADMI NISTER AND MANAGE TH E PROGRAM. (B) The [Board] DEPARTMENT is responsible for expanding service opportunities in the State THROUGH THE PROGRAM with the following goals: (1) creating a strong annual cohort bond of unity for [Program] CORPS participants from urban, rural, and suburban areas of the State; (2) [subject to subsection (d) of this section,] ensuring all [Marylanders] INDIVIDUALS have equitable access to participate in the Program regardless of gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, geography, NATIVE LANGUAGE , or protected veteran status; (3) helping [Program] CORPS participants develop the critical job skills necessary for creating a more equitable society as they serve their communities across the State, using the lens of environmental, social, racial, and economic justice; and Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 16 – (4) ensuring each district of the State can communicate its unique community needs and choose the appropriate solutions. (C) (1) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ACT AS AN INTERMEDIARY W ITH THE AMERICORPS PROGRAM TO SECURE FED ERAL FUNDING AND ALL EVIATE THE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDE N ON STATE ORGANIZATIONS S EEKING TO PARTICIPAT E IN AMERICORPS PROGRAMMING . (2) IN WORKING WITH THE AMERICORPS PROGRAM UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION , THE DEPARTMENT SHALL FOCU S ON EXPANDING THE SERVIC E OPPORTUNITIES IN : (I) STATE AND LOCAL PARKS ; (II) PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY HEALTH SECTORS ; AND (III) THE CLEAN AND RENEWA BLE ENERGY SECTOR . [(b)] (D) The [Board] DEPARTMENT shall adopt regulations regarding: (1) selection criteria for regional operating partners with a global view of the needs of the communities in which the regional operating partner works, who will identify and implement placement priorities FOR EACH PROGRAM PATHWAY in consultation with local community partners to expand capacity and create new service programs as needed; (2) eligibility requirements for participating organizations, classified by the [Board] DEPARTMENT based on the number of service [members] PLACEMENTS the organization’s grant will support, as: (i) community employers; or (ii) large–scale employers; (3) prioritizing the placement of [Program] CORPS participants with [large–scale employers] ORGANIZATIONS based on the organization’s demonstrated [need for Program] ABILITY TO TRANSITIO N participants [who will transition] to full–time employment, POSTSECONDARY EDUCAT ION, OR REGISTERED APPR ENTICESHIPS following completion of the [Program] SERVICE PLACEMENT ; (4) a centralized process to facilitate efficient screening and placement of [Program] CORPS participants INTO THE APPROPRIATE SERVICE PLACEMENT OF A PROGRAM PATHWAY as well as effective measurement and evaluation of the CORPS participant’s service experience; WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 17 – (5) REASONABLE WORKPLACE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR C ORPS PARTICIPANTS WITH DI SABILITIES; [(5)] (6) stipends for CORPS participants, including: (i) monetary payment of at least $15 per hour OR THE STATE MINIMUM WAGE , WHICHEVER IS GREATER ; (II) health insurance [benefits,] BENEFITS and the potential for wraparound services; and [(ii)] (III) requirements for large–scale employers to provide matching funds; [(6)] (7) [an education] A PROGRAM COMPLETION award of $6,000 for participants that complete at least 9 months of [service,] SERVICE THAT MAY BE AWARDED AS FOLLOWS : (I) [which shall be deposited] BY DEPOSIT into a tax–exempt Maryland 529 account established under Title 18, Subtitle 19 of the Education Article and may only be used for qualified higher education expenses, as defined in § 18–1901 of the Education Article; OR (II) PAYMENT OF A CASH ST IPEND; [(7)] (8) workforce development training and wraparound services provided to [Program] CORPS participants by participating organizations OR STATE AGENCIES; [(8)] (9) additional training and support services provided to [Program] CORPS participants after the completion of the CORPS participant’s service; [(9)] (10) ongoing evaluation of opportunities to expand service in the State to address the State’s workforce development needs, including opportunities within State agencies for the creation and expansion of service opportunities within the agencies; and [(10)] (11) ongoing evaluation of the Program to ensure access and effectiveness, including: (i) demographics of corps participants, including race, ethnicity, age, SEX, GENDER, education, and geography; Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 18 – (II) WHETHER PROGRAM PATHWAYS ARE FACILITATING ENTRY INTO PUBLIC SECTOR W ORKFORCE POSITIONS ; [(ii)] (III) post–Program trajectories of corps participants; and [(iii)] (IV) an evaluation of the needs served in the community by the Program. [(c) The Board may: (1) Sue and be sued; (2) Adopt a seal; (3) Acquire, hold, and dispose of property for its corporate purposes; (4) Sell, lease, or otherwise convey, in any manner that the Board considers appropriate, any property it owns to accomplish the purposes of this subtitle; (5) Enter into contracts and leases and execute any instrument necessary or convenient, on the terms and for any corporate purpose that the Board considers advisable; (6) Use any other money available under this subtitle or any grant or money from the State or federal government or any of their units or instrumentalities to accomplish the purposes of this subtitle; (7) Borrow money for a corporate purpose and mortgage or otherwise encumber its property as security for the loan; (8) Accept gifts, contributions, or loans of money, supplies, goods, and services, and accept appropriations, allotments, and loans of money from the State or federal government, a federal corporation, a unit or instrumentality of the federal government, or a political subdivision or instrumentality of the State; (9) Exercise a power usually possessed by a private corporation in performing similar functions unless to do so would conflict with State law; and (10) Do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers expressly granted by this subtitle.] 21–205. (A) (1) THERE IS A YOUNG ADULT SERVICE YEAR OPTION PATHWAY IN THE PROGRAM. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 19 – (2) THE PURPOSE OF THE YOUNG ADULT SERVICE YEAR OPTION PATHWAY IS TO: (I) PROVIDE SERVICE PLAC EMENTS TO ELIGIBLE Y OUNG ADULTS AS AN ADDITIO NAL OPTION TO IMMEDI ATELY PURSUING POSTS ECONDARY EDUCATION OR CAREER AND TECHNICAL TRAINI NG; (II) EQUIP CORPS PARTICIP ANTS WITH PROFESSION AL DEVELOPMENT , MENTORING , JOB TRAINING , FINANCIAL LITERACY S KILLS, AND OTHER SUPPORTS WHILE WORKING IN HIGH –IMPACT SERVICE PLACE MENTS; (III) ASSIST IN ADDRESSING THE STATE’S GREATEST CHALLENGES BY CHANNE LING THE NEXT GENERA TION OF MARYLAND CITIZENS INTO IMPACTFUL PUBLI C SERVICE; AND (IV) STRENGTHEN A PIPELIN E OF TALENT INTO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO FILL PRESENT AND FUT URE STAFFING NEEDS . (B) AN INDIVIDUAL MAY APP LY TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR A SERV ICE PLACEMENT IN THE YA PATHWAY UNDER THIS SE CTION IF THE INDIVID UAL IS: (1) A MARYLAND RESIDENT ON SUBMISSION OF APPLIC ATION; AND (2) WITHIN 3 YEARS OF GRADUATION FROM HIGH SCHOOL OR HAVING OBTAINED A SIMILAR L EVEL OF EDUCATION CO MPLETION, INCLUDING AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS O BTAINED A: (I) MARYLAND HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA; (II) MARYLAND HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA BY EXAMINATI ON; OR (III) MARYLAND HIGH SCHOOL CERTIFICATE OF PROGRAM COMPLETION. (C) (1) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SET TARGETS FOR PARTICIP ATION IN THE YA PATHWAY UNDER THIS SE CTION, INCLUDING: (I) 200 CORPS PARTICIPANTS IN THE FIRST YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION ; AND (II) 2,000 CORPS PARTICIPANTS I N THE FOURTH YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION . Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 20 – [(d)] (2) The [Board] DEPARTMENT shall prioritize for participation in the [Program] YA PATHWAY UNDER THIS SE CTION: (I) individuals historically underrepresented in: [(1)] 1. higher education enrollment or completion; or [(2)] 2. employment [by]: [(i)] A. BY large–scale and community employers; [or] [(ii)] B. BY participating organizations; OR C. IN PROFESSIONS AND OCCU PATIONS THAT REQUIRE LICENSURE OR CERTIFI CATION; AND (II) ORGANIZATIONS THAT P ROVIDE WRAPAROUND SE RVICES TO CORPS PARTICIPANT S. (D) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL DEVE LOP FOCUS AREAS FOR THE YA PATHWAY UNDER THIS SE CTION FOR THE PURPOS E OF ADDRESSING PRIORITY STATE AND COMMUNITY I SSUES, INCLUDING: (1) CLIMATE; (2) EDUCATION; AND (3) HEALTH. (E) A CORPS PARTICIPANT WH O RECEIVES A SERVICE PLACEMENT IN THE YA PATHWAY UNDER THIS SE CTION SHALL: (1) PARTICIPATE IN ALL T RAINING RELATED TO THE SERVI CE PLACEMENT ; (2) WORK AT LEAST 30 HOURS PER WEEK ; (3) BE PARTNERED WITH AN ON–SITE MENTOR; (4) PERFORM THE DUTIES O F THE SERVICE PLACEM ENT TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE PARTICIPATING ORGANI ZATION AND THE DEPARTMENT ; (5) PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAM–WIDE EVENTS; WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 21 – (6) BE PAID $15 PER HOUR OR THE STATE MINIMUM WAGE , WHICHEVER IS GREATER , FOR MANDATORY WORK H OURS OR MANDATORY PROGRAM ACTIVITIES ; AND (7) ON COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM, BE NOTIFIED OF ALL AVAILABLE POST –PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES , INCLUDING REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS . (F) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROM OTE AND PUBLICIZE TH E AVAILABILITY OF OPPORTUNITIES IN THE YA PATHWAY TO: (1) HIGH SCHOOLS AND ADU LT HIGH SCHOOLS IN T HE STATE; (2) COMMUNITY AND NONPRO FIT ORGANIZATI ONS; (3) FAITH–BASED INSTITUTIONS ; AND (4) EMPLOYERS THAT ARE P OTENTIAL SERVICE PLA CEMENT PROVIDERS. (G) (1) THERE IS A YOUNG ADULT SERVICE YEAR OPTION PATHWAY FUND. (2) THE PURPOSE OF THE YA PATHWAY FUND IS TO: (I) PROVIDE STIPENDS TO CORPS PARTICIPANTS W ITH A SERVICE PLACEMENT IN THE YA PATHWAY UNDER THIS SE CTION; (II) PAY THE COSTS TO ADM INISTER AND PROMOTE THE YA PATHWAY UNDER THE PROGRAM; AND (III) ASSIST IN THE CREATI ON OF ADDITIONAL COR PS PROGRAMS UNDE R § 21–207 OF THIS SUBTITLE. (3) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADMI NISTER THE YA PATHWAY FUND. (4) THE EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (9) OF THIS SUBSECTION, THE YA PATHWAY FUND IS A CONTINUING , NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE. (5) (I) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL HOLD THE YA PATHWAY FUND SEPARATELY AND S HALL INVEST THE MONE Y IN THE YA PATHWAY FUND IN THE SAME MANNER AS O THER STATE MONEY MAY BE IN VESTED. Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 22 – (II) ANY INVESTMENT EARNIN GS OF THE YA PATHWAY FUND SHALL BE CREDITED TO THE FUND. (6) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL SEPARATELY ACCOUNT FOR EACH SOURCE FOR THE YA PATHWAY FUND. (7) THE DEPARTMENT : (I) MAY ACCEPT ANY GIFT OR GRANT FROM ANY PE RSON FOR THE YA PATHWAY FUND; (II) SHALL USE ANY GIFT OR GRANT THAT I T RECEIVES FOR THE PURPOSES LISTED UNDE R PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION ; AND (III) SHALL DEPOSIT WITH T HE STATE TREASURER ANY GIFT OR GRANT THAT IT RECEIV ES FOR THE YA PATHWAY FUND. (8) THE YA PATHWAY FUND CONSISTS OF : (I) MONEY APPROPRIATED T O THE YA PATHWAY FUND UNDER THE PROGRAM IN THE STATE BUDGET ; (II) GIFTS OR GRANTS RECE IVED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE YA PATHWAY FUND; (III) INVESTMENT EARNINGS OF THE YA PATHWAY FUND; AND (IV) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACCEPTED FOR THE BENEFIT OF T HE YA PATHWAY FUND. (9) (I) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS PARAGRAPH , ANY UNSPENT STATE APPROPRIATION O F THE YA PATHWAY FUND SHALL REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND OF THE STATE AT THE END OF T HE FISCAL YEAR. (II) FOR FISCAL YEARS 2024 THROUGH 2026, ANY ANY UNSPENT PORTION OF THE YA PATHWAY FUND MAY NOT BE TRANS FERRED OR REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND OF THE STATE BUT SHALL REMAI N IN THE YA PATHWAY FUND TO BE USED FOR T HE PURPOSES SPECIFIE D IN THIS SUBTITLE. (10) BEGINNING WITH FISCAL YEAR 2024, AT THE END OF EACH F ISCAL YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PREP ARE AN ANNUAL REPORT OF THE YA PATHWAY FUND THAT INCLUDES : WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 23 – (I) AN ACCOUNTING OF ALL FINANCIAL RECEIPTS A ND EXPENDITURES TO AND FROM THE YA PATHWAY FUND; AND (II) THE FOLLOWING INFORM ATION: 1. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CORPS PARTICIPANTS DISAGGREGATED BY DEM OGRAPHIC CATEGORIES ; 2. THE TOTAL ANNUAL COS T OF THE YA PATHWAY DISAGGREGATED BY THE SOURCE OF THE FUNDS ; 3. CORPS PARTICIPANT TRANSITION AFTER PROGRAM COMPLETION INTO HIGH ER EDUCATION , POSTSECONDARY EDUCAT ION, FULL–TIME EMPLOYMENT , REGISTERED APPRENTIC ESHIPS, AND ANY OTHER POST –PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY ; 4. THE NUMBER OF CORPS PARTICIPANTS EMPLOYE D BY STATE OR LOCAL GOVERN MENT AGENCIES AFTER COMPL ETION OF THE PROGRAM; AND 5. TO THE EXTENT PRACTI CABLE, WHAT FORMER CORPS PARTICIPANTS ARE DOI NG 1 YEAR, 2 YEARS, AND 5 YEARS AFTER COMPLETI NG THE PROGRAM. (11) THE YA PATHWAY FUND IS SUBJECT TO AU DIT BY THE OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AUDITS IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1220 OF THIS ARTICLE. 21–206. (A) (1) THERE IS A MARYLAND SERVICE YEAR OPTION PATHWAY IN THE PROGRAM. (2) THE PURPOSE OF THE MARYLAND SERVICE YEAR OPTION PATHWAY IS TO: (I) EQUIP CORPS PARTICIP ANTS WITH PROFESSION AL DEVELOPMENT , MENTORING , JOB TRAINING , FINANCIAL LITERACY S KILLS, AND OTHER SUPPORTS WHILE WORKING IN HIGH –IMPACT SERVICE PLACE MENTS; (II) ASSIST IN ADDRESSING THE STATE’S GREATEST CHALLENGES BY CHANNE LING THE TALENTS OF INDIVIDUALS INTO IMP ACTFUL PUBLIC SERVICE; AND Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 24 – (III) STRENGTHEN A PIPELIN E OF TALENT INTO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO FILL PRESENT AND FUT URE STAFFING NEEDS . (B) (1) AN INDIVIDUAL MAY APP LY TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR A PLACEMENT IN THE MSY PATHWAY UNDER THIS SE CTION IF THE INDIVID UAL IS INTERESTED IN PERFOR MING PUBLIC AND COMM UNITY SERVICE IN THE STATE. (2) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PRIO RITIZE FOR PARTICIPA TION IN THE MSY PATHWAY UNDER THIS SE CTION INDIVIDUALS WH O ARE: (I) MARYLAND RESIDENTS ; AND (II) HISTORICALLY UNDERREPRESENTED IN : 1. HIGHER EDUCATION ENR OLLMENT OR COMPLETIO N; OR 2. EMPLOYMENT BY : A. LARGE–SCALE AND COMMUNITY EMPLOYERS ; OR B. PARTICIPATING ORGANI ZATIONS. (3) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PRIO RITIZE FOR PARTICIPA TION IN THE MSY PATHWAY UNDER THIS SE CTION ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE WRAPAROUND SERVICES TO CORPS PARTICIPANT S. (C) A CORPS PARTICIPANT WH O RECEIVES A SERVICE PLACEMENT IN THE MSY PATHWAY UNDER THIS SE CTION SHALL: (1) PARTICIPATE IN ALL T RAINING RELATED TO T HE SERVICE PLACEMENT ; (2) PERFORM THE DUTIES O F THE SERVICE PLACEM ENT TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE PARTICIPATING ORGANI ZATION AND THE DEPARTMENT ; (3) PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAM–WIDE EVENTS AS DETER MINED BY THE DEPARTMENT ; (4) BE PAID $15 PER HOUR OR THE STATE MINIMUM WAGE , WHICHEVER IS GREATER , FOR WORK HOURS OR MA NDATORY PROGRAM ACTIVITIES ; AND WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 25 – (5) ON COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM, BE NOTIFIED OF ALL AVAILABLE POST –PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES , INCLUDING REG ISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS . (D) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROM OTE AND PUBLICIZE TH E AVAILABILITY OF THE MSY PATHWAY OPPORTUNITIES TO: (1) HISTORICALLY BLACK C OLLEGES AND UNIVERSI TIES, AS DEFINED IN § 3–207 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE; (2) COMMUNITY COLLEGES ; (3) TRADE SCHOOLS ; (4) FAITH–BASED INSTITUTIONS ; (5) YOUTH WHO ARE DISCON NECTED FROM SCHOOL O R WORK; AND (6) EMPLOYERS AND NONPRO FIT ORGANIZATIONS WI TH POTENTIAL SERVICE PLACEMENTS F OR THE MSY PATHWAY UNDER THIS SE CTION. [21–206. (a) The Board shall act as an intermediary with the AmeriCorps Program to secure federal funding and alleviate the administrative burden on State organizations seeking to participate in AmeriCorps programming. (b) In working with the AmeriCorps Program under subsection (a) of this section, the Board shall focus on expanding the service opportunities in State and local parks and in the public health sector.] [21–207.] [(a)] (E) (1) There is a Maryland [Corps Program] SERVICE YEAR OPTION PATHWAY Fund. [(b)] (2) The purpose of the MSY PATHWAY Fund is to: [(1)] (I) provide stipends to corps participants WITH A SERVICE PLACEMENT IN THE MSY PATHWAY UNDER THIS SE CTION; [(2)] (II) provide PROGRAM COMPLETION [scholarships] AWARDS to corps participants who have completed the Program [to be used at institutions of higher Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 26 – education in the State toward vocational certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees]; [(3)] (III) cover expenses incurred by the [Board] DEPARTMENT , including expenses incurred to study the potential use of the Program as a workforce development tool in the State; [(4)] (IV) cover expenses incurred to study how alumni of the Program could be better positioned to meet the current and future needs of employers in the State; [and] [(5)] (V) provide funding for the [Program] MSY PATHWAY UNDER THIS SECTION to match gifts or grants received by the [Board] DEPARTMENT for the MSY PATHWAY Fund; AND (VI) ASSIST IN THE CREATI ON OF ADDITIONAL CORPS PROGRAMS UNDER § 21–207 OF THIS SUBTITLE . [(c)] (3) The [Board] DEPARTMENT shall administer the MSY PATHWAY Fund. [(d)] (4) The EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (10) OF THIS SUBSECTION, THE MSY PATHWAY Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. [(e) (1)] (5) (I) The State Treasurer shall hold the MSY PATHWAY Fund separately and shall invest the money in the MSY PATHWAY Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested. [(2)] (II) Any investment earnings of the MSY PATHWAY Fund shall be credited to the Fund. [(f)] (6) The Comptroller shall SEPARATELY account FOR EACH SOURCE for the MSY PATHWAY Fund. [(g)] (7) The [Board] DEPARTMENT : [(1)] (I) may accept any gift or grant from any person for the MSY PATHWAY Fund; [(2)] (II) shall use any gift or grant that it receives for the reasons stated under [subsection (b) of this section] PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION ; and WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 27 – [(3)] (III) shall deposit any gift or grant that it receives for the MSY PATHWAY Fund with the State Treasurer. [(h)] (8) The MSY PATHWAY Fund consists of: [(1)] (I) money appropriated under [§ 9–2818 of this subtitle] SUBSECTION (F) OF THIS SECTION ; [(2)] (II) gifts or grants received by the [Board] DEPARTMENT for the MSY PATHWAY Fund; [(3)] (III) investment earnings of the MSY PATHWAY Fund; and [(4)] (IV) any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the MSY PATHWAY Fund. [(i)] (9) The MSY PATHWAY Fund may be used only [for: (1) providing stipends to corps participants; (2) providing scholarships to corps participants who have completed the Program to be used at institutions of higher education in the State toward vocational certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees; (3) covering expenses incurred by the Board, including expenses incurred to study the potential use of the Program as a workforce development tool in the State; (4) covering expenses incurred to study how alumni of the Program could be better positioned to meet the current and future needs of employers in the State; and (5) Providing funding for the Program to match gifts or grants received by the Board for the Fund] FOR THE PURPOSES DES CRIBED IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION . [(j)] (10) (I) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS PARAGRAPH , ANY UNSPENT STATE APPROPRIATION O F THE MSY PATHWAY FUND SHALL REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND OF THE STATE AT THE END OF T HE FISCAL YEAR. (II) FOR FISCAL YEARS 2024 THROUGH 2026, Any ANY unspent portion of the MSY PATHWAY Fund may not be transferred or revert to the General Fund of the State but shall remain in the MSY PATHWAY Fund to be used for the purposes specified in this subtitle. Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 28 – [(k) (1)] (11) (I) Beginning with fiscal year [2018] 2024, at the end of [the] EACH fiscal year, the [Board] DEPARTMENT shall prepare an annual report of the MSY PATHWAY Fund that includes: 1. an accounting of all financial receipts and expenditures to and from the MSY PATHWAY Fund; AND 2. THE FOLLOWING INFORM ATION: A. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CORPS PARTICIPANTS DISAGGREGATED BY DEM OGRAPHIC CATEGORIES ; B. THE TOTAL ANNUAL COS T OF THE MSY PATHWAY DISAGGREGATED BY THE SOURCE OF THE FUNDS ; C. CORPS PARTICIPANT TR ANSITION AFTER PROGRAM COMPLETION INTO HIGH ER EDUCATION , POSTSECONDARY EDUCAT ION, FULL–TIME EMPLOYMENT , REGISTERED APPRENTIC ESHIPS, AND ANY OTHER POST –PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY ; D. THE NUMBER OF CORPS PARTICIPANTS EMPLOYE D BY STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENC IES AFTER COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM; AND E. TO THE EXTENT PRACTI CABLE, WHAT FORMER CORPS PARTICIPANTS ARE DOI NG 1 YEAR, 2 YEARS, AND 5 YEARS AFTER COMPLETI NG THE PROGRAM. [(2)] (II) The [Board] DEPARTMENT shall submit a copy of the report to the General Assembly in accordance with § 2–1257 of this article. [(l)] (12) The MSY PATHWAY Fund may be subject to an audit by the Legislative Auditor. [21–208.] [(a)] (F) (1) The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to the MSY PATHWAY Fund of: [(1)] (I) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; [(2)] (II) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; [(3)] (III) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; and WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 29 – [(4)] (IV) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter. [(b)] (2) It is the intent of the General Assembly that[: (1)] appropriations made under [subsection (a) of this section] PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION are in addition to any federal funding received for State service or volunteer programming[; and (2) Any federal funding received by the State for service or volunteer programming shall be deposited into the Fund for use by the Program]. [(c)] (3) Appropriations made under [subsection (a) of this section] PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION and other funding received by the [Board] DEPARTMENT FOR THE MSY PATHWAY UNDER THIS SE CTION shall be used to: [(1)] (I) provide stipends to corps participants WITH A SERVICE PLACEMENT IN THE MSY PATHWAY UNDER THIS SE CTION; [(2)] (II) provide [scholarships] PROGRAM COMPLETION AW ARDS to corps participants who have completed the Program [to be used at institutions of higher education in the State toward vocational certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees]; [(3)] (III) cover expenses incurred by the [Board] DEPARTMENT , including expenses incurred in marketing and recruitment; and [(4)] (IV) cover programmatic expenses to expand service opportunities throughout the State, including[: (i) In partnership with regional operating partners, creating and maintaining an online platform through which individuals and corps participants can search and apply for service opportunities throughout the State; (ii) Expanding] EXPANDING the Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program, as provided under §§ 8–1913 through 8–1924 of the Natural Resources Article[; (iii) creating a Maryland Civilian Climate Corps to conserve and restore State and local parks and engage in other climate or environmental projects; (iv) creating a Maryland Historic Trades Corps to place young adults and young veterans in regionally based work crews tasked with rehabilitation of State historic resources; Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 30 – (v) expanding the Maryland Conservation Corps to engage in projects that manage natural resources and conserve parks; and (vi) Providing staff for the Program]. [(d) Marketing and recruitment conducted by the Program under subsection (c)(3) of this section shall prioritize: (1) Historically black colleges and universities, as defined in § 3–207 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; (2) Community colleges; (3) High schools with low rates of matriculation to 2– and 4–year institutions of higher education; (4) Trade schools; and (5) Youth who are disconnected from school or work.] [21–209.] 21–207. (A) (1) The [Board] DEPARTMENT shall explore the possibility of: [(1)] (I) accessing federal or other grant funding for the Program; and [(2)] (II) awarding corps participants with: 1. academic credit for their service; OR 2. CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEA RNING EXPERIENCE TOW ARD TRADE OR VOCATIONAL CERTIFICATION . (2) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CONS ULT WITH THE MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION, INSTITUTIONS OF POST SECONDARY EDUCATION, THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, AND ANY OTHER ENTITY THE DEPARTMENT DETERMINES RELEVANT IN DETERMIN ING THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING THE PRO VISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION . (B) THE DEPARTMENT MAY USE MO NEY FROM THE YA PATHWAY FUND UNDER § 21–205 OF THIS SUBTITLE AND THE MSY PATHWAY FUND UNDER § 21–206 OF THIS SUBTITLE TO : WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 31 – (1) CREATE A MARYLAND CIVILIAN CLIMATE CORPS TO CONSERVE AND RESTORE STATE AND LOCAL PARKS AND ENGAGE IN OTHER CLIMATE OR ENVIRONMENTAL PROJEC TS; (2) CREATE A MARYLAND HISTORIC TRADES CORPS TO PLACE YOUNG ADULTS AND YOU NG VETERANS IN REGIO NALLY BASED WORK CRE WS TASKED WITH REHABILI TATION OF STATE HISTORIC RESOUR CES; AND (3) EXPAND THE MARYLAND CONSERVATION CORPS TO ENGAGE IN PROJECTS THAT MANAGE NATURAL RESOURCES AN D CONSERVE PARKS . 21–208. (A) ON OR BEFORE JUNE 1, 2027, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CONT RACT WITH A PUBLIC OR PRI VATE ENTITY TO CONDU CT AN INDEPENDENT EV ALUATION OF THE PROGRAM. (B) THE INDEPENDENT EVALUATION SHALL EVA LUATE: (1) THE BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITIES BEING SE RVED BY THE PROGRAM; (2) THE BENEFITS TO CORP S PARTICIPANTS WHO C OMPLETED THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING EFFICACY I N TRANSITIONING CORP S PARTICIPANTS TO POSTSECONDARY EDUCAT ION, THE WORKF ORCE, OR REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS ; (3) THE EFFICACY OF THE PROGRAM’S PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMM ING, TRAINING, AND MENTORING IN SUP PORTING THE STATE’S WORKFORCE DEVELOPM ENT NEEDS; (4) THE PROGRAM DESIGN , IMPLEMENTATION , AND OVERALL EFFICIENCY IN DELIVERING INTEND ED OUTCOMES ; AND (5) ANY ADDITIONAL PROGRAM METRICS DEVEL OPED BY THE DEPARTMENT . (C) ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2028, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBM IT A REPORT ON ITS FINDIN GS AND RECOMMENDATIO NS TO THE GOVERNOR AND , IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THIS ARTICLE , THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE RESULTS OF THE INDEP ENDENT EVALUATION CO NDUCTED IN ACCORDANC E WITH THIS SECTION. Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 32 – (D) BEGINNING ON OCTOBER 1, 2028, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PUBL ISH AN ONLINE DASHBOARD OF KEY PERFORMANCE I NDICATORS AS DETERMI NED IN THE REPORT REQUIRED UNDER SUBSECTION (C) OF THIS SECTION. [21–210.] 21–209. On or before December 1 each year, the [Board] DEPARTMENT shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of this article, the General Assembly regarding: (1) the number and amount of stipends awarded under the Program; (2) the BUSINESSES, nonprofit ORGANIZATIONS , or government agencies with which corps participants are placed; (3) the institutions, if any, that award academic credit for a corps participant’s service; (4) the number and amount of [scholarships] PROGRAM COMPLETION AWARDS awarded under the Program; and (5) [at which] THE POSTSECONDARY ED UCATIONAL institutions AT WHICH corps participants use their [scholarships] PROGRAM COMPLET ION AWARDS. SUBTITLE 11A. SERVICE YEAR OPTION PROGRAM. 24–11A–01. (A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS INDICATED. (B) “DEPARTMENT ” MEANS THE DEPARTMENT OF SERVICE AND CIVIC INNOVATION. (C) “FUND” MEANS THE SERVICE YEAR OPTION PROGRAM FUND. (D) “PARTICIPATING EMPLOYE R” MEANS A PUBLIC OR PR IVATE ENTITY PARTICIPATING AS AN EMPLOYER UNDER THE PROGRAM. (E) “PROGRAM” MEANS THE SERVICE YEAR OPTION PROGRAM. (F) “PROGRAM PARTICIPANT ” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 33 – (1) HAS RECEIVED A HIGH S CHOOL DIPLOMA , GED, OR COMPARABLE PROOF OF EQUIVALENT EDUCATIONAL LEVEL WI THIN 2 YEARS BEFORE APPLYIN G FOR A SERVICE PLACEM ENT UNDER THE PROGRAM; OR (2) QUALIFIES FOR A SERVI CE PLACEMENT UNDER ALTE RNATIVE CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE SECRETARY. (G) “SECRETARY” MEANS THE SECRETARY OF SERVICE AND CIVIC INNOVATION. (H) “SERVICE PLACEMENT ” MEANS THE JOB ASSIGN MENT DESIGNATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL PARTIC IPATING IN THE PROGRAM UNDER THIS SUBTITLE. 24–11A–02. (A) THERE IS A SERVICE YEAR OPTION PROGRAM IN THE STATE. (B) THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO: (1) PROVIDE SERVICE PLACE MENTS TO RECENT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS WITH SIM ILAR LEVELS OF EDUCA TION AS AN ADDITIONAL OPTION TO PU RSUING CAREER AND TE CHNICAL TRAINING OR POSTSECONDARY EDUCAT ION; (2) EQUIP PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS WITH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT , MENTORING , JOB TRAINING, AND OTHER SUPPORT WH ILE WORKING IN HIGH–IMPACT SERVICE PLACE MENTS; (3) HELP ADDRESS THE STATE’S GREATEST CHALLENGE S BY CHANNELING THE NEXT GENERATION INTO PUBL IC IMPACT WORK ; AND (4) STRENGTHEN A PIPELINE OF TALENT INTO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO FILL PRESENT AND FUTURE S TAFFING NEEDS . (C) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL : (1) ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM; AND (2) PROVIDE STAFF FOR THE PROGRAM AS PROVIDED I N THE STATE BUDGET. 24–11A–03. (A) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL : Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 34 – (1) DESIGN THE PROGRAM; (2) IDENTIFY AND WORK WIT H NONPROFIT ENTITIES WHO MAY RECEIVE GRANTS TO SE RVE AS REGIONA L PROGRAM LEADERS ACROS S THE STATE; (3) CREATE A STATEWIDE NE TWORK FOR ALL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS ACROSS THE STATE; (4) PROMOTE AND COMMUNICA TE PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES TO HIGH SCHOOLS , RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIO NS, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATI ONS, AND POTENTIAL PARTICIPATING EMPLOY ERS ACROSS THE STATE; (5) (I) DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A CENTRAL APPLICATIO N PROCESS; AND (II) ASSIST APPLICANTS WIT H THE APPLICATION PR OCESS; (6) BUILD AND MAINTAIN AN ACCURATE AND UP –TO–DATE ONLINE PORTAL TO MANAGE OPE NINGS FOR SERVICE PLACEMENTS ; (7) IDENTIFY PARTICIPATIN G EMPLOYERS WHO CAN PROVIDE A WIDE ARRAY OF BENEFITS , INCLUDING MENTORING AND CAREER AND COLLE GE COACHING; (8) TO THE EXTENT PRACTIC ABLE, SELECT PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS THAT REFLECT THE GEN DER, RACIAL, ETHNIC, AND GEOGRAPHIC DIVER SITY OF THE STATE; AND (9) EVALUATE THE OVERALL OPERATIONS OF THE PROGRAM IN COLLABORATION WITH A N INDEPENDENT ENTITY . (B) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SET TARGETS FOR PROGRAM PARTICIPATION , INCLUDING: (1) 200 PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS IN THE FIRST YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION ; AND (2) 2000 PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS IN THE FOURTH YEAR O F IMPLEMENTATION . (C) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL DEVE LOP PROGRAM FOCUS AREAS T O ADDRESS PRIORITY ISS UES, INCLUDING: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 35 – (1) CLIMATE; (2) EDUCATION; AND (3) HEALTH. 24–11A–04. (A) (1) WHILE WORKING IN A SE RVICE PLACEMENT , A PROGRAM PARTICIPANT SHALL : (I) WORK AT LEAST 30 HOURS PER WEEK ; AND (II) PARTNER WITH AN ON –SITE MENTOR WHO PROV IDES: 1. JOB TRAINING; 2. CAREER AND POSTSECOND ARY EDUCATION COUNSELING ; 3. FINANCIAL LITERACY SK ILLS; AND 4. ANY OTHER SUPPORT NEE DED. (2) A PARTICIPATING EMPLOY ER SHALL PAY A PROGRAM PARTICIPANT $15 PER HOUR. (B) SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION S (C) AND (D) OF THIS SECTION , THE DEPARTMENT MAY DISB URSE A STIPEND OF UP TO $3,000 TO A PROGRAM PARTICIPANT WHO COMP LETES A SERVICE PLAC EMENT. (C) A PROGRAM PARTICIPANT S HALL: (1) PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THE SERVICE PLACEMEN T TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE PARTICIPATING EMPLOY ER AND THE DEPARTMENT ; (2) PARTICIPATE IN ALL TR AINING RELATED TO TH E SERVICE PLACEMENT AND FUTURE CAREERS OR EDUCATION AL PATHWAYS ; AND (3) PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAM–WIDE EVENTS TO : (I) EXPAND THE PARTICIPAN T’S PROFESSIONAL NETWO RK; (II) MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH IN THE PROGRAM; AND Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 36 – (III) TAKE ADVANTAGE OF STATE RESOURCES . (D) AS NEEDED, THE DEPARTMENT MAY DISBUR SE A PRORATED STIPEN D AMOUNT ON A CASE –BY–CASE BASIS. 24–11A–05. (A) THERE IS A SERVICE YEAR OPTION PROGRAM FUND. (B) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO: (1) PROVIDE STIPENDS TO PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS ; AND (2) PAY THE COSTS TO ADMI NISTER THE PROGRAM. (C) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADMI NISTER THE FUND. (D) THE FUND IS A CONTINUING , NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREME NT ARTICLE. (E) (1) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL HOLD THE FUND SEPARATELY AND SHALL INVEST THE MONEY IN THE FUND IN THE SAME MANN ER AS OTHER STATE MONEY MAY BE IN VESTED. (2) ANY INVESTMENT EARNIN GS OF THE FUND SHALL BE CREDITE D TO THE FUND. (F) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL ACCOU NT FOR THE FUND. (G) THE DEPARTMENT : (1) MAY ACCEPT ANY GIFT O R GRANT FROM ANY PER SON FOR THE FUND; (2) SHALL USE ANY GIFT OR GRANT THAT IT RECEIV ES FOR THE PURPOSES LISTED UNDE R SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION; AND (3) SHALL DEPOSIT WITH THE STATE TREASURER ANY GIFT OR GRANT THAT IT RECEIV ES FOR THE FUND. (H) THE FUND CONSISTS OF : WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 37 – (1) MONEY APPROPRIATED TO THE PROGRAM IN THE STATE BUDGET; (2) GIFTS OR GRANTS RECEI VED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE FUND; (3) INVESTMENT EARNINGS OF THE FUND; AND (4) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACC EPTED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND. (I) ANY UNSPENT PORTION O F THE FUND MAY NOT BE TRANS FERRED OR REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND OF THE STATE BUT SHALL REMAI N IN THE FUND TO BE USED FOR THE PURPOSES SPECIFI ED IN THIS SUBTITLE . (J) THE FUND IS SUBJECT TO AU DIT BY THE OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AUDITS IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1220 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 24–11A–06. (A) (1) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROC URE THE SERVICES OF A THIRD–PARTY ENTITY TO CONDUCT AN INDEPENDENT STUDY AN D ASSESSMENT OF THE PROGRAM. (2) THE STUDY SHALL EMPLO Y: (I) RANDOM ASSIGNMENT , IF FEASIBLE AND ETHI CAL; OR (II) OTHER RESEARCH METHOD S THAT ALLOW FOR THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE C AUSAL INFERENCES , IF RANDOM ASSIGNMENT IS NOT FEASIBLE AND ETHICAL IN THIS INSTANCE. (B) ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2028, THE THIRD–PARTY ENTITY SHALL S UBMIT A REPORT ON ITS FIND INGS AND RECOMMENDAT IONS TO THE GOVERNOR AND , IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. (C) ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1, 2028, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PUBL ISH AN ONLINE DASHBOARD OF KEY PERFORMANCE I NDICATORS SHOWN IN T HE REPORT REQUIRED UNDER SUBSE CTION (B) OF THIS SECTION. 24–11A–07. Ch. 99 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 38 – THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADOP T REGULATIONS NECESSARY TO CARRY O UT THIS SUBTITLE, INCLUDING REGULATION S ON: (1) THE APPLICATION PROCE SS; (2) ELIGIBILITY REQUIREME NTS; (3) PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ; AND (4) THE DISBURSEMENT OF S TIPENDS. Article – State Finance and Procurement 6–226. (a) (2) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and unless inconsistent with a federal law, grant agreement, or other federal requirement or with the terms of a gift or settlement agreement, net interest on all State money allocated by the State Treasurer under this section to special funds or accounts, and otherwise entitled to receive interest earnings, as accounted for by the Comptroller, shall accrue to the General Fund of the State. (ii) The provisions of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph do not apply to the following funds: 170. 169. the Cannabis Public Health Fund; [and] 171. 170. the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund ; AND 172. 171. THE YOUNG ADULT SERVICE YEAR OPTION PROGRAM PATHWAY FUND; AND 173. 172. THE MARYLAND SERVICE YEAR OPTION PATHWAY FUND. SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect July 1, 2023. SECTION 5. 7. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the terms of the initial members of the Maryland Corps Program Advisory Board under § 21–203 of the State Government Article, as enacted by Section 4 of this Act, shall expire as follows: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 99 – 39 – (1) the terms of the one member appointed by the President of the Senate, the one member appointed by the Speaker of the House, and two members appointed by the Governor shall expire on June 30, 2025; and (2) the terms of the chair of the Advisory Board, the two members jointly appointed by the President and the Speaker, and two members appointed by the Governor shall expire on June 30, 2026. SECTION 6. 8. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act is an emergency measure, is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health or safety, has been passed by a yea and nay vote supported by three–fifths of all the members elected to each of the two Houses of the General Assembly, and shall take effect from the date it is enacted. Approved by the Governor, April 24, 2023.