In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Foster care recipient” means an individual who was placed in an out–of–home placement by a state’s or unit of a state government’s department of social services for 3 years or more. “Higher education loan” means any loan for undergraduate or graduate study that is obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses from: An institution of higher education, government, or commercial source; or An organization, an institution, an association, a society, or a corporation that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. “Program” means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Foster Care Recipients.

There is a Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Foster Care Recipients in the State. The Office shall assist in the repayment of higher education loans owed by a foster care recipient who: Is employed for a minimum of 20 hours per week by the State or a county or municipality of the State; Received an undergraduate or a graduate degree from an institution of higher education in the State; and Meets any other requirement established by the Office. An applicant for assistance in the repayment of a commercial loan shall demonstrate to the Office that the commercial loan was used for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses for undergraduate or graduate study. Assistance in the repayment of a loan from an entity set forth in § 18–1601(c)(2) of this title shall require the approval of the Office.

Subject to the availability of funds appropriated under subsection (b) of this section, the award amount under the Program shall be equal to the lesser of: $5,000; or 10% of the eligible individual’s total higher education loan debt for each year the individual qualifies for the Program. The Governor annually shall include an appropriation of $100,000 in the State budget for the Commission to disburse assistance under this subtitle.

Each recipient of an award under the Program may hold the award for 3 years if the recipient: Continues to meet the qualifications specified under § 18–3202 of this subtitle; and Signs an agreement at the time of the award to remain employed by the State or a county or municipality of the State for at least 1 year after the expiration of the term of the award. Each award under the Program shall be renewable on the expiration of the term of the award.

An award under the Program shall be used only for repayment of the higher education loans owed by the recipient.

The Office shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this subtitle.

The Department of Budget and Management shall provide to State employees information about the Program. The local governing body of each county and municipality of the State shall provide their employees with information about the Program.