<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<section article="gnr" article_name="Natural Resources" number="5-2B-03" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2028 PER CHAPTER 568 OF 2024" title_number="5" title_name="Forests and Parks" subtitle_number="2B" subtitle_name="Play Area Accessibility">
  <level label="a">
    <level label="1">
      <text>There is a Maryland Recreation Communication Boards Pilot Program.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>The purpose of the pilot program is to, subject to the availability of funding, improve play area accessibility by covering the costs of purchasing and installing communication boards at State and local parks.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="3">
      <text>The Department shall administer the pilot program.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="b">
    <level label="1">
      <text>A local governing body may apply to the Department for a grant from the pilot program.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <level label="i">
        <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, and in awarding a grant to a local governing body under this section, the Department shall award a grant equal to the cost of purchasing and installing each communication board.</text>
      </level>
      <level label="ii">
        <text>A grant may not exceed $3,000 for each communication board that is purchased and installed.</text>
      </level>
    </level>
    <level label="3">
      <text>The Department shall prioritize the award of grants to a local governing body that is installing a communication board in a newly constructed play area.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="c">
    <level label="1">
      <text>On or before July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026, the Department shall submit an interim report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, that provides an evaluation of the pilot program.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>On or before July 1, 2027, the Department shall submit a final report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the pilot program, including a recommendation on whether the pilot program should be continued.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
</section>
