In this subtitle, “Unit” means the Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit.

There is a Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit in the Office of the Attorney General.

The purpose of the Unit is to protect seniors and vulnerable adults from financial crimes under § 8–801 of the Criminal Law Article. The Unit may bring a civil action under § 13–204(a)(15) of this article or § 11–209(a) of the Corporations and Associations Article for damages against a person who violates § 8–801 of the Criminal Law Article. A conviction for an offense under § 8–801 of the Criminal Law Article is not a prerequisite for maintenance of an action under subsection (b) of this section.

For fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the State budget at least $250,000 to carry out this subtitle. At the direction of the Attorney General, the Unit shall use the funds included in the State budget under subsection (a) of this section to: Hire new staff for the Unit; and Investigate and assist the Unit in bringing civil actions.