In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Alliance” means the Ethan Saylor Alliance for Self–Advocates as Educators. “Community inclusion” means circumstances in which individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities are welcomed, supported, and included in all aspects of society. “Developmental disability” has the meaning stated in § 7–101 of the Health – General Article. “Intellectual disability” has the meaning stated in § 7–101 of the Health – General Article. “Secretary” means the Secretary of Disabilities. “Steering Committee” means the Steering Committee for the Ethan Saylor Alliance for Self–Advocates as Educators.

There is an Ethan Saylor Alliance for Self–Advocates as Educators in the Department of Disabilities. The purpose of the Alliance is to advance the community inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities by preparing and supporting self–advocates to play a central role in educating persons about appropriate and effective interactions with individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities. The Alliance shall: be guided by the Steering Committee; build on the work of the Commission for Effective Community Inclusion of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities by prioritizing the training needs of law enforcement officers; connect law enforcement trainers with: self–advocate educators; or entities that use self–advocate educators in a central role when providing training; identify and support the development of self–advocate educators; identify resources needed to prepare and support self–advocate educators; and promote collaborative efforts that support community inclusion.

There is a Steering Committee for the Alliance. The Steering Committee shall include the following members: the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee; the Superintendent of the State Police, or the Superintendent’s designee; the Executive Director of the Police and Correctional Training Commissions, or the Executive Director’s designee; the Deputy Secretary for Developmental Disabilities in the Maryland Department of Health, or the Deputy Secretary’s designee; and the following individuals, appointed by the Secretary: a representative of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council; two representatives of community–based organizations that support people with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities; four members of the public with knowledge of intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities, including at least two self–advocates and a family member of an individual with an intellectual disability or developmental disability; and other members deemed necessary to carry out the work of the Steering Committee. A member appointed by the Secretary: serves for a term of 3 years and until a successor is appointed and qualifies; and may be reappointed. A member of the Steering Committee: may not receive compensation as a member of the Steering Committee; but is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. The Steering Committee shall: develop parameters for the Alliance, including expected outcomes for and evaluation of the Alliance; select entities to operate the Alliance through a competitive process; provide general oversight of the Alliance; approve the budget for the Alliance; review the Alliance’s activities and outcomes; develop recommendations for sustainability and expansion of the Alliance, including: costs of sustaining and expanding the Alliance; potential sources of funding for the Alliance; and compensation and supports for self–advocate educators; and review, or request that the Alliance review, the content and monitor the implementation of the training objectives and curriculum adopted by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission for a community inclusion training program: at least once every 4 years; or more frequently if requested by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission.

Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the operation of the Alliance shall be supported by: appropriations provided in the annual State budget; grants or other assistance from federal, State, or local government; and any other money made available to the Alliance from any public or private source. The operation of the Alliance is subject to the limitations of the State budget.