In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Housing agency” means an agency established to administer a housing assistance program under the Housing and Community Development Article. “Housing assistance” means financial assistance, as defined in § 1-101 of the Housing and Community Development Article, offered for the purpose of obtaining housing based on need under a program administered by a housing agency and financed wholly or partially by federal, State, or local funds. A person may not knowingly make a false statement of a material fact for the purpose of influencing a housing agency regarding: an application for housing assistance; or an action affecting housing assistance already provided. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.