<section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-101" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Maryland Legal Services Corporation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Corporation” means the Maryland Legal Services Corporation.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Eligible client” means a person who is unable to afford legal assistance as determined under § 11-603 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Fund” means the Maryland Legal Services Corporation Fund.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Grantee” means a nonprofit organization that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is qualified under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>provides legal assistance to eligible clients; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>receives financial assistance under § 11-501 of this title from the Corporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Grantee” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Legal Aid Bureau, Inc.;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Maryland Disability Law Center; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, Inc.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Internal Revenue Code” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Title 26 of the United States Code; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>regulations adopted under Title 26 of the United States Code.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>“Legal assistance” means the legal representation of eligible clients by grantees.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Legal assistance” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>training;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>research;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>coordination with private attorneys; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>other activities necessary to ensure the delivery of quality legal services.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-102" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <text>The General Assembly finds and declares that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>there is a need to provide equal access to the system of justice for individuals seeking redress of grievances;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>reduction of federal funds has diminished the availability of legal services provided by existing statewide legal services programs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>there is a need to continue and expand legal assistance to those who would otherwise be unable to afford adequate legal counsel;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the availability of legal services reaffirms faith in our government of laws;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the funding of legal assistance programs for those who are unable to afford legal counsel will serve the ends of justice and the general welfare of the public; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>attorneys providing legal assistance must have full freedom to protect the best interests of their clients in keeping with the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct and the high standards of the legal profession.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-201" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organization and Administration of Corporation"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Maryland Legal Services Corporation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Corporation is a nonstock corporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Corporation is to receive and distribute funds to grantees that provide legal assistance to eligible clients in civil proceedings or matters.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-202" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organization and Administration of Corporation"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Corporation shall maintain:</text> <level label="i"> <text>its principal office in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a designated agent to accept service of process.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Corporation shall file the name and address of the designated agent with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Corporation is exempt from any special tax, property tax, recordation tax, or transfer tax imposed by the State or a political subdivision of the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title, the Corporation is not a unit or instrumentality of the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-203" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organization and Administration of Corporation"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board shall appoint an executive director of the Corporation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The executive director is the chief executive officer of the Corporation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to this title and policies established by the Board, the executive director has the authority and responsibility for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>administering the affairs of the Corporation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>appointing and removing employees as necessary to carry out the purposes of this title;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>making grants;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>entering into contracts;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>exercising powers incident to the office of the executive director; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>performing other duties that the Board prescribes.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The executive director is entitled to a salary as provided in the budget of the Corporation.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The executive director may be removed by a majority of the Board.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-204" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organization and Administration of Corporation"> <level label="a"> <text>A political test or political qualification may not be used in selecting, appointing, promoting, or taking any other personnel action with respect to an officer, agent, or employee of the Corporation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Employees of the Corporation are entitled to salaries as provided in the budget of the Corporation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Employees of the Corporation are not employees of the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-205" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organization and Administration of Corporation"> <text>To the extent consistent with this title, the Corporation shall exercise the powers granted to a nonstock corporation under Title 5, Subtitle 2 of the Corporations and Associations Article.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-206" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organization and Administration of Corporation"> <text>The Corporation shall indemnify the members of the Board and the officers, agents, and employees of the Corporation to the extent authorized under the Maryland General Corporation Law.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-207" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organization and Administration of Corporation"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Corporation shall publish an annual report.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Corporation shall submit the annual report to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The report shall include a description of services provided.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-208" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organization and Administration of Corporation"> <level label="a"> <text>The executive director shall prepare an annual budget for the Corporation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>For informational purposes only, the Corporation shall submit its budget to the General Assembly in conjunction with the budget request of the Judicial Branch of the State government on November 1 of each year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The informational budget required under this subsection shall include 3 years of data, including the most recently completed fiscal year, an estimate for the current fiscal year, and an estimate for the next fiscal year, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a summary of total expenditures and the sources of revenue that support that spending;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>line item expenditure detail for personnel, operating expenses, and grants, including individual grantees;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>narrative explanation of all revenue and spending changes between the current fiscal year and the next fiscal year;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>performance measurement data that details the use of funds; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>detail on the Corporation’s reserve fund, including actual and estimated end of fiscal year balances, transfers to and from the reserve fund, and the policies governing the reserve fund.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-301" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Board of Directors"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Board of Directors of the Corporation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>12 voting members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the executive director, who is a nonvoting ex officio member.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Voting members shall be residents of the State and shall represent the different geographical regions of the State.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Seven voting members shall be lawyers admitted to the Bar in the State and five voting members shall be nonlawyers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A voting member of the Board is not an officer or employee of the State.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of office of a voting member is 3 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the end of a term a voting member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The terms of voting members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on October 1, 2007.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If a vacancy occurs during the term of a voting member, the Governor shall fill the vacancy.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A voting member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A voting member may not be reappointed for more than 2 consecutive terms immediately following the member’s initial term.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>A voting member may be removed by a vote of nine members.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A voting member may only be removed for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>malfeasance in office;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>persistent neglect of or inability to discharge duties; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>offenses involving moral turpitude.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-302" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Board of Directors"> <level label="a"> <text>From among its voting members, the Board annually shall elect a chair.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>From among its members, the Board shall appoint a secretary, a treasurer, and other officers.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-303" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Board of Directors"> <text>A member of the Board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not receive compensation as a member of the Board; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in connection with service on the Board as provided in the budget of the Corporation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-304" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Board of Directors"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board shall meet at least 4 times a year.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in § 3–305 of the General Provisions Article, a meeting of the Board shall be open to the public.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-401" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Funding"> <text>Nonstate funds received by the Corporation shall be accounted for and reported as receipts and disbursements separate and distinct from State funds.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-402" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Funding"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Legal Services Corporation Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administrative Office of the Courts shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>money deposited to the Fund from the surcharge assessed in civil cases under §§ 7–202 and 7–301 of the Courts Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>money distributed to the Fund under § 17–317 of the Commercial Law Article;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>interest on attorney trust accounts paid to the Fund under § 10–303 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>investment earnings of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Corporation shall use the Fund to provide funding for civil legal services to indigents under this title.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Treasurer shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>invest and reinvest the Fund in the same manner as other State funds; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>credit any investment earnings to the Fund and may not charge interest against the Fund if the average daily net cash balance for the month is less than zero.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund shall be made in accordance with an appropriation requested by the Judicial Branch of the State government under § 7–108 of the State Finance and Procurement Article and approved by the General Assembly in the State budget or by the budget amendment procedure under § 7–208.1 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-403" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Funding"> <text>The Corporation shall accept and use any money or property received by gift, devise, bequest, or otherwise to further the purposes of this title.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-404" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Funding"> <text>The Corporation may not issue stock or declare or pay dividends.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-405" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Funding"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to reasonable compensation paid for services rendered to or for the Corporation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Net earnings of the Corporation may not inure to the benefit of any individual.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual may not share in the distribution of corporate assets on dissolution of the Corporation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-406" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Funding"> <text>On the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Corporation, after payment of the obligations and liabilities of the Corporation, all of the assets of the Corporation shall be transferred to one or more corporations or associations that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>have a character or purpose similar to the Corporation’s;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>are selected by the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>qualify under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-407" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Funding"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The accounts of the Corporation shall be audited annually.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The audits shall be conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by an independent certified public accountant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>An audit under this section shall be conducted where the accounts of the Corporation are normally kept.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If owned or in use by the Corporation and necessary to facilitate the audit, the Corporation shall make available to the auditor all:</text> <level label="i"> <text>books;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>accounts;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>financial records;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>reports;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>files; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>other papers or property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Full facilities for verifying transactions with the balances and securities held by depositories, fiscal agents, and custodians shall be available to the auditors.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The report of the annual audit shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be submitted to the Governor, the Department of Budget and Management and, subject to § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>be available for public inspection during business hours at the principal office of the Corporation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-408" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Funding"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The audit authorized by this section is in addition to the annual audit required by § 11-407 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For any fiscal year during which State funds are available to finance any portion of the operations of the Corporation, the Legislative Auditor may audit the financial transactions of the Corporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>An audit under this section shall be conducted where the accounts of the Corporation are normally kept.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If owned or in use by the Corporation and necessary to facilitate the audit, the Corporation shall make available to the Legislative Auditor all:</text> <level label="i"> <text>books;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>accounts;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>financial records;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>reports;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>files; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>other papers or property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Full facilities for verifying transactions with the balances and securities held by depositories, fiscal agents, and custodians shall be available to the Legislative Auditor.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Unless the Legislative Auditor requires a longer period of retention, the items listed in paragraph (2) of this subsection shall remain in the possession and custody of the Corporation for 4 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The legislative audit shall be submitted to the General Assembly and the Governor, with any recommendations the Legislative Auditor considers advisable.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-501" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Grantees"> <text>The Corporation shall make grants of financial assistance to grantees for the purpose of providing legal assistance to eligible clients.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-502" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Grantees"> <level label="a"> <text>The Corporation shall ensure that grants and contracts are made to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide the most stable, economical, and effective delivery of legal assistance; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide access to legal assistance to eligible clients in all areas of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Corporation may not use a political test or political qualifications to select or monitor a grantee under this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to a suspension or termination of financial assistance or a denial of an application for refunding because of a lack of available funds.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Corporation shall prescribe procedures in accordance with this subsection to govern:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the suspension or termination of financial assistance; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the denial of an application for refunding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The procedures shall ensure that financial assistance committed may not be suspended or terminated and an application for refunding may not be denied unless the grantee has been given:</text> <level label="i"> <text>reasonable notice; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an opportunity for a timely, full, and fair hearing conducted by an independent hearing examiner.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-503" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Grantees"> <level label="a"> <text>In applying for and spending grant money from the Corporation, grantees shall consider the relative needs for service of clients, particularly the needs of eligible clients who have special difficulties of access to legal services or who have special legal problems, including elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Funds provided to grantees under this title may not be used:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to provide legal assistance for a fee-generating case;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>to provide legal assistance for the defense of a criminal prosecution;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>to provide legal assistance in a civil action to a person who has been convicted of a criminal charge if the civil action:</text> <level label="i"> <text>arises out of an alleged act or failure to act; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is brought against an official of the court or a law enforcement official to challenge the validity of the criminal conviction;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>to influence the issuance, amendment, or revocation of an executive order or similar promulgation by a federal, State, or local unit, or to influence the passage or defeat of legislation by the United States Congress, or by a State or local legislative body, or a State proposal by referendum or petition;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>to contribute to or be made available to a political party or association or the campaign of a candidate for public or party office; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>to provide representation in a class action suit.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-504" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Grantees"> <level label="a"> <text>The Corporation may require a grantee to submit any reports the Corporation considers necessary regarding activities carried out under this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Corporation may require grantees to keep records regarding funds provided by the Corporation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Corporation shall have access to the records at all reasonable times to ensure compliance with the grant or contract or the terms and conditions on which financial assistance was provided.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-505" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Grantees"> <level label="a"> <text>Each year, the Corporation shall require:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a financial audit by an independent certified public accountant of each grantee whose grant income from the Corporation in the most recently completed fiscal year was $50,000 or more; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a financial review by an independent certified public accountant of each grantee whose grant income from the Corporation in the most recently completed fiscal year was less than $50,000.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The report of each audit or review shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>submitted to the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>made available to the Legislative Auditor; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>kept for at least 5 years at the principal office of the Corporation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-601" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Legal Services"> <text>The Corporation shall seek to ensure that a grantee providing legal assistance to eligible clients:</text> <level label="1"> <text>maintains the highest quality of service and professional standards;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>preserves attorney-client relationships; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>protects the integrity of the adversary process from any impairment.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-602" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Legal Services"> <text>Each application for legal assistance shall be in writing and accompanied by an affidavit stating that the information contained in the application is true and correct.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-603" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Legal Services"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Corporation shall establish maximum income levels for client eligibility.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The income levels shall be based on the financial ability of a client to pay for competent private counsel and all other necessary expenses of representation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The maximum income levels established under this section and eligibility guidelines established by each grantee to implement this section shall take into consideration:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the size of the client’s family;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>cost of living variations, including differences between urban and rural areas;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the assets and income of the client;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the fixed debts and medical expenses of the client; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>other factors relevant to the client’s ability to pay for the legal services the client requires.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Corporation may not set the maximum income levels for eligibility under this section at a level greater than 50% of the median family income for the State as certified annually by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-604" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Legal Services"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, information subject to the attorney-client privilege is confidential and may not be disclosed to any person unless the privilege is waived by the client or a court orders the disclosure.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-605" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Legal Services"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Program” means the Affordable Life, Wills, and Estate Planning for Seniors Grant Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>There is an Affordable Life, Wills, and Estate Planning for Seniors Grant Program in the Corporation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to provide eligible seniors access to affordable civil law–related services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The provision of services under the Program shall be in accordance with this title.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Program shall provide:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an intake method, which may include a referral hotline, to screen clients by eligibility and by legal need;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an outreach method for matching eligible clients to a grantee under Subtitle 5 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a grant program to fund grantees representing eligible clients, particularly in rural communities, when no other attorneys are readily available.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Corporation shall publicize the Program, including in rural communities.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Program shall provide eligible clients with legal services concerning primarily:</text> <level label="1"> <text>last will and testaments;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>powers of attorney;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>special needs trusts;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>advance health care directives; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>life estate deeds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Corporation may contract with a grantee to provide all or part of the services required under this section.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor shall include in the annual budget an appropriation of $225,000 for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In addition to the funds made available for the Program under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Corporation may seek funds from any other source to aid in the administration of the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>On or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2023, the Corporation shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the implementation and utilization of the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-701" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not obtain, attempt to obtain, or aid another person in obtaining or attempting to obtain legal assistance to which the person is not entitled by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>willfully making a false statement or representation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>willfully failing to disclose a material change in financial condition;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>impersonating another; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>any other fraudulent means.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>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 $1,000 or both.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>A person convicted under this section shall make full restitution of the value of the legal assistance unlawfully received.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The person shall be given notice and the opportunity for a hearing on the amount and terms of the payment.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-702" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts"> <text>The Corporation may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>participate in litigation, unless:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Corporation or a grantee is a party; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a grantee is representing an eligible client in litigation in which the interpretation of this title or a guideline established by the Corporation under this title is an issue;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>interfere with a lawyer’s professional responsibilities to clients under the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>compete directly or indirectly with any grantee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>contribute or make available the Corporation’s funds or services to a political party or association or the campaign of a candidate for public or party office;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>except as provided in §§ 501(h) and 4911 of the Internal Revenue Code:</text> <level label="i"> <text>carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>participate or intervene in a political campaign on behalf of a candidate for public office, including publishing or distributing statements;</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>notwithstanding any other provision of this title, conduct or carry on activities not authorized for an organization:</text> <level label="i"> <text>qualified under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>to which contributions are deductible under § 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="11-801" title_number="11" title_name="Maryland Legal Services Corporation" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Short Title"> <text>This title may be cited as the “Maryland Legal Services Corporation Act”.</text> </section>