# State Government (GSG)

## Title 21. Department of Service and Civic Innovation

### Subtitle 1. General Provisions

#### Section 21-101

(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Department" means the Department of Service and Civic Innovation.

(c) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation.

#### Section 21-102

(a) There is a Department of Service and Civic Innovation, established as a principal department of the State government.

(b) The purpose of the Department is to promote service and volunteerism in the State.

#### Section 21-103

(a)

  (1) The head of the Department is the Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation, who shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

  (2) The Secretary shall take the oath of office required under Article I, Sec. 9 of the Maryland Constitution.

(b) The Secretary is a member of the Governor's Executive Council.

(c)

  (1) The Secretary serves at the pleasure of the Governor and is responsible directly to the Governor.

  (2) The Secretary shall advise the Governor on all matters assigned to the Department and is responsible for carrying out the Governor's policies on these matters.

(d)

  (1) The Secretary is responsible for the operation of the Department and shall establish guidelines and procedures to promote the orderly and efficient administration of the Department.

  (2) The Secretary may establish, reorganize, or abolish areas of responsibility in the Department as necessary to fulfill the duties assigned to the Secretary.

(e) The Secretary is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.

#### Section 21-104

(a) The Secretary may employ a staff in accordance with the State budget.

(b) The Secretary may appoint a Deputy Secretary and other professional staff and contract with consultants as authorized representatives.

(c) The Secretary shall appoint and remove all staff in accordance with the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.

#### Section 21-105

(a) The Secretary is responsible for the budget of the office of the Secretary and the budget for each unit in the Department.

(b) The Secretary may adopt rules and regulations in carrying out the provisions of law that are within the jurisdiction of the Department.

(c) The Secretary may create any advisory council that the Secretary considers necessary and assign appropriate functions to it.

(d) The Secretary shall have a seal.

(e)

  (1) The Secretary is responsible for the coordination and direction of all planning that the office of the Secretary initiates.

  (2) The Secretary shall keep fully apprised of plans, proposals, and projects of each unit in the Department and, except as expressly provided otherwise, may approve, disapprove, or modify any of them.

(f) Each unit in the Department shall report to the Secretary as provided in the rules, regulations, or written directives that the Secretary adopts.

(g) The Secretary may apply for, receive, and spend grants-in-aid by the federal government or any of its agencies or any other federal funds made available to the Department for use in carrying out the powers and duties of the Secretary or the Department.

(h) Except as otherwise provided by law and Sec.Sec. 21-205(g) and 21-206(e) of this title, the Secretary shall pay all money collected by the Department under this title into the General Fund of the State.

(i) The Secretary shall carry out and enforce the provisions of this title, the rules and regulations of the Department, and any other provisions of law that relate to the Secretary or the Department.

#### Section 21-106

(a) The Secretary shall:

  (1) promote service and volunteerism in the State by partnering with the federal government, local governments, and nongovernmental entities to fulfill the purposes of this title; and

  (2) identify, develop, and implement initiatives to increase service and volunteerism in the State to create opportunities and strengthen communities.

(b) The Department shall:

  (1) promote the use of volunteers in State and local government, employers, and nonprofit organizations;

  (2) coordinate and oversee the activities of:

    (i) the Maryland Corps Program under Subtitle 2 of this title; and

    (ii) the Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism;

  (3) develop and implement model programs for a statewide clearinghouse, skill banks, or information centers for volunteers and projects in the State;

  (4) develop and implement volunteer recognition events for volunteers in State programs and provide technical assistance and support for recognition events in nonpublic programs to increase the visibility and status of volunteers and their accomplishments;

  (5) administer:

    (i) the Maryland Corps Program under Subtitle 2 of this title; and

    (ii) any other volunteer program recommended or designated by the Governor or otherwise established by law;

  (6) liaise with national, state, and local volunteerism groups to obtain information on federal, state, local, and private resources that may enhance volunteer projects within the State;

  (7) conduct studies and make recommendations to improve volunteer recruitment and training, volunteer retention, and accountability of volunteer programs;

  (8) provide staff support for the Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism; and

  (9)

    (i) establish a process through which a person may recommend a vocational, workforce training, or job placement program for inclusion in the database developed and maintained under Sec. 15-160 of the Health - General Article; and

    (ii) if appropriate, forward a recommendation made under item (i) of this item to the Maryland Department of Health for inclusion in the database.

#### Section 21-107

(a) The Attorney General is legal adviser to the Department.

(b) The Attorney General shall assign to the Department the number of assistant attorneys general authorized by law to be assigned to the Department and any additional assistant attorneys general necessary to give effective legal advice and counsel.

(c) The Attorney General also shall designate an assistant attorney general as counsel to the Department.

### Subtitle 2. Maryland Corps Program

#### Section 21-201

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Advisory Board" means the Maryland Corps Program Advisory Board.

(c) "Corps participant" means an individual who participates in the Program.

(d) "Department" means the Department of Service and Civic Innovation.

(e) "MSY Pathway" means the Maryland Service Year Option Pathway.

(f) "MSY Pathway Fund" means the Maryland Service Year Option Pathway Fund.

(g) "Participating organization" means a business, nonprofit organization, or government agency that:

  (1) has a focus on community or other service, service learning, volunteerism, or other activities or experiences with a similar mission;

  (2) hosts a program participant in a service role; and

  (3) complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Title 20, Subtitle 6 of this article.

(h) "Program" means the Maryland Corps Program.

(i) "Wraparound services" includes:

  (1) child care;

  (2) transportation;

  (3) housing;

  (4) behavioral health;

  (5) crisis intervention;

  (6) substance abuse prevention or treatment;

  (7) legal aid;

  (8) financial literacy programming;

  (9) job search and application support; and

  (10) college application support.

(j) "YA Pathway" means the Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway.

(k) "YA Pathway Fund" means the Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway Fund.

#### Section 21-202

(a)

  (1) There is a Maryland Corps Program in the State administered and managed by the Department.

  (2) The Program has two pathways:

    (i) the Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway; and

    (ii) the Maryland Service Year Option Pathway.

(b) The Program is subject to Title 14, Subtitle 3 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

(c) The purpose of the Program is to:

  (1) provide meaningful service opportunities to corps participants that will address the social needs of the community;

  (2) equip corps participants with the skills that will enable them to successfully make the transition from high school to an institution of higher education or to the workforce; and

  (3) provide Program completion awards to corps participants who have completed the Program.

(d) The Program is subject to review under Sec. 2-1220 of this article.

#### Section 21-203

(a)

  (1) There is a Maryland Corps Program Advisory Board.

  (2) The Advisory Board consists of the following members:

    (i) a Board Chair, appointed by the Governor;

    (ii) two members jointly appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House:

      (1) one of whom must represent a service organization in the State; and

      (2) one of whom shall be:

      (A) a current participant in a public service program; or

      (B) a former participant in a public service program whose participation ended during the preceding 3 years;

    (iii) one member appointed by the President of the Senate;

    (iv) one member appointed by the Speaker of the House; and

    (v) five members appointed by the Governor:

      (1) one of whom shall be a representative from the Maryland State Service Commission; and

      (2) one of whom shall be a health officer, as defined in Sec. 1-101 of the Health - General Article.

(b) In making appointments to the Advisory Board, the President, Speaker, and Governor shall consider:

  (1) the professional or personal experience of the individual in community or other service, nonprofit management, civic engagement, or volunteerism;

  (2) the cultural, geographic, racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of the State; and

  (3) an individual's experience and knowledge in workforce development, including regional workforce needs, training, career development programming, and workforce investment boards.

(c) A member of the Advisory Board:

  (1) may not receive compensation as a member of the Advisory Board; but

  (2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

(d)

  (1) The term of a member of the Advisory Board is 4 years.

  (2) The terms of the members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members on June 1, 2023.

  (3) A member may be reappointed but may not serve more than two consecutive full terms.

  (4) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(e)

  (1) A member appointed by the President may be removed by the President for the reasons stated in paragraph (5) of this subsection.

  (2) A member appointed by the Speaker may be removed by the Speaker for the reasons stated in paragraph (5) of this subsection.

  (3) A member appointed by the Governor may be removed by the Governor for the reasons stated in paragraph (5) of this subsection.

  (4) The Advisory Board Chair may be removed by the Governor for the reasons stated in paragraph (5) of this subsection.

  (5) A member of the Advisory Board may be removed for:

    (i) incompetence;

    (ii) misconduct;

    (iii) immorality; or

    (iv) failure to perform the duties of the position.

(f) Advisory Board members are subject to the requirements of Title 5 of the General Provisions Article.

(g)

  (1) The Advisory Board shall meet at least three times each year.

  (2) Advisory Board meetings are subject to the requirements of Title 3 of the General Provisions Article.

(h) The Advisory Board has the following duties and responsibilities:

  (1) be a liaison with the Department in:

    (i) seeking community service opportunities and opportunities for Program expansion;

    (ii) recruiting corps participants;

    (iii) seeking gifts or grants and other financial resources for the benefit of the Program; and

    (iv) maintaining relationships with current and former corps participants;

  (2) advise the Department on best practices for service and volunteerism;

  (3) provide oversight of the design, development, implementation, operation, and expansion of the Program;

  (4) participate in Program-sponsored events; and

  (5) any other duties as determined by the Department.

#### Section 21-204

(a) The Department shall administer and manage the Program.

(b) The Department is responsible for expanding service opportunities in the State through the Program with the following goals:

  (1) creating a strong annual cohort bond of unity for corps participants from urban, rural, and suburban areas of the State;

  (2) ensuring all individuals have equitable access to participate in the Program regardless of gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, geography, native language, or protected veteran status;

  (3) helping corps participants develop the critical job skills necessary for creating a more equitable society as they serve their communities across the State, using the lens of environmental, social, racial, and economic justice; and

  (4) ensuring each district of the State can communicate its unique community needs and choose the appropriate solutions.

(c)

  (1) The Department shall act as an intermediary with the AmeriCorps Program to secure federal funding and alleviate the administrative burden on State organizations seeking to participate in AmeriCorps programming.

  (2) In working with the AmeriCorps Program under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department shall focus on expanding the service opportunities in:

    (i) State and local parks;

    (ii) public and community health sectors; and

    (iii) the clean and renewable energy sector.

(d) The Department shall adopt regulations regarding:

  (1) selection criteria for regional operating partners with a global view of the needs of the communities in which the regional operating partner works, who will identify and implement placement priorities for each Program pathway in consultation with local community partners to expand capacity and create new service programs as needed;

  (2) eligibility requirements for participating organizations, classified by the Department based on the number of service placements the organization's grant will support, as:

    (i) community employers; or

    (ii) large-scale employers;

  (3) prioritizing the placement of corps participants with organizations based on the organization's demonstrated ability to transition participants to full-time employment, postsecondary education, or registered apprenticeships following completion of the service placement;

  (4) a centralized process to facilitate efficient screening and placement of corps participants into the appropriate service placement of a Program pathway as well as effective measurement and evaluation of the corps participant's service experience;

  (5) reasonable workplace accommodations for corps participants with disabilities;

  (6) stipends for corps participants, including:

    (i) monetary payment of at least the applicable county or State minimum wage, whichever is greater;

    (ii) health insurance benefits and the potential for wraparound services; and

    (iii) requirements for large-scale employers to provide matching funds;

  (7) a Program completion award of $6,000 for participants that complete at least 9 months of service that shall be awarded as a cash stipend;

  (8) workforce development training and wraparound services provided to corps participants by participating organizations or State agencies;

  (9) additional training and support services provided to corps participants after the completion of the corps participant's service;

  (10) ongoing evaluation of opportunities to expand service in the State to address the State's workforce development needs, including opportunities within State agencies for the creation and expansion of service opportunities within the agencies; and

  (11) ongoing evaluation of the Program to ensure access and effectiveness, including:

    (i) demographics of corps participants, including race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender, education, and geography;

    (ii) whether Program pathways are facilitating entry into public sector workforce positions;

    (iii) post-Program trajectories of corps participants; and

    (iv) an evaluation of the needs served in the community by the Program.

#### Section 21-205

(a)

  (1) There is a Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway in the Program.

  (2) The purpose of the Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway is to:

    (i) provide service placements to eligible young adults as an additional option to immediately pursuing postsecondary education or career and technical training;

    (ii) equip corps participants with professional development, mentoring, job training, financial literacy skills, and other supports while working in high-impact service placements;

    (iii) assist in addressing the State's greatest challenges by channeling the next generation of Maryland citizens into impactful public service; and

    (iv) strengthen a pipeline of talent into State and local governments to fill present and future staffing needs.

(b) An individual may apply to the Department for a service placement in the YA Pathway under this section if the individual:

  (1) is a Maryland resident on the submission of application;

  (2) has graduated from high school or has obtained a similar level of education completion, including an individual who has obtained a:

    (i) high school diploma;

    (ii) high school diploma by examination; or

    (iii) high school certificate of completion; and

  (3) is at least 18 years old and under the age of 25 years at the start date of the YA Pathway.

(c)

  (1) The Department shall set targets for participation in the YA Pathway under this section, including:

    (i) 200 corps participants in the first year of implementation;

    (ii) 750 corps participants in the third year of implementation;

    (iii) 1,100 corps participants in the fourth year of implementation;

    (iv) 1,550 corps participants in the fifth year of implementation; and

    (v) 2,000 corps participants in the sixth year of implementation.

  (2) The Department shall prioritize for participation in the YA Pathway under this section:

    (i) individuals historically underrepresented in:

      (1) higher education enrollment or completion; or

      (2) employment:

      (A) by large-scale and community employers;

      (B) by participating organizations; or

      (C) in professions and occupations that require licensure or certification; and

    (ii) organizations that provide wraparound services to corps participants.

(d) The Department shall develop focus areas for the YA Pathway under this section for the purpose of addressing priority State and community issues, including:

  (1) climate;

  (2) education; and

  (3) health.

(e) A corps participant who receives a service placement in the YA Pathway under this section shall:

  (1) participate in all training related to the service placement;

  (2) work at least 30 hours per week;

  (3) be partnered with an on-site mentor;

  (4) perform the duties of the service placement to the satisfaction of the participating organization and the Department;

  (5) participate in Program-wide events;

  (6) be paid at least the applicable county or State minimum wage, whichever is greater, for mandatory work hours or mandatory Program activities; and

  (7) on completion of the Program, be notified of all available post-Program opportunities, including registered apprenticeships.

(f) The Department shall promote and publicize the availability of opportunities in the YA Pathway to:

  (1) high schools and adult high schools in the State;

  (2) community and nonprofit organizations;

  (3) faith-based institutions; and

  (4) employers that are potential service placement providers.

(g)

  (1) There is a Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway Fund.

  (2) The purpose of the YA Pathway Fund is to:

    (i) provide stipends to corps participants with a service placement in the Program under this section;

    (ii) pay the costs to administer and promote the Program; and

    (iii) assist in the creation of additional corps programs under Sec. 21-207 of this subtitle.

  (3) The Department shall administer the YA Pathway Fund.

  (4) Except as provided in paragraph (9) of this subsection, the YA Pathway Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to Sec. 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

  (5)

    (i) The State Treasurer shall hold the YA Pathway Fund separately and shall invest the money in the YA Pathway Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.

    (ii) Any investment earnings of the YA Pathway Fund shall be credited to the Fund.

  (6) The Comptroller shall separately account for each source for the YA Pathway Fund.

  (7) The Department:

    (i) may accept any gift or grant from any person for the YA Pathway Fund;

    (ii) shall use any gift or grant that it receives for the purposes listed under paragraph (2) of this subsection; and

    (iii) shall deposit with the State Treasurer any gift or grant that it receives for the YA Pathway Fund.

  (8) The YA Pathway Fund consists of:

    (i) money appropriated to the YA Pathway Fund under the Program in the State budget;

    (ii) gifts or grants received by the Department for the YA Pathway Fund;

    (iii) investment earnings of the YA Pathway Fund; and

    (iv) any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the YA Pathway Fund.

  (9)

    (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, any unspent State appropriation of the YA Pathway Fund shall revert to the General Fund of the State at the end of the fiscal year.

    (ii) For fiscal years 2024 through 2026, any unspent portion of the YA Pathway Fund may not be transferred or revert to the General Fund of the State but shall remain in the YA Pathway Fund to be used for the purposes specified in this subtitle.

  (10) Beginning with fiscal year 2024, at the end of each fiscal year, the Department shall prepare an annual report of the YA Pathway Fund that includes:

    (i) an accounting of all financial receipts and expenditures to and from the YA Pathway Fund; and

    (ii) the following information:

      (1) the total number of corps participants disaggregated by demographic categories;

      (2) the total annual cost of the YA Pathway disaggregated by the source of the funds;

      (3) corps participant transition after Program completion into higher education, postsecondary education, full-time employment, registered apprenticeships, and any other post-Program opportunity;

      (4) the number of corps participants employed by State or local government agencies after completion of the Program; and

      (5) to the extent practicable, what former corps participants are doing 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years after completing the Program.

  (11) The Department shall submit a copy of the report prepared under paragraph (10) of this subsection to the General Assembly in accordance with Sec. 2-1257 of this article.

  (12) The YA Pathway Fund is subject to audit by the Office of Legislative Audits in accordance with Sec. 2-1220 of this article.

#### Section 21-206

(a)

  (1) There is a Maryland Service Year Option Pathway in the Program.

  (2) The purpose of the Maryland Service Year Option Pathway is to:

    (i) equip corps participants with professional development, mentoring, job training, financial literacy skills, and other supports while working in high-impact service placements;

    (ii) assist in addressing the State's greatest challenges by channeling the talents of individuals into impactful public service; and

    (iii) strengthen a pipeline of talent into State and local governments to fill present and future staffing needs.

(b)

  (1) An individual may apply to the Department for a service placement in the MSY Pathway under this section if the individual is:

    (i) a Maryland resident; and

    (ii) at least 18 years old at the start date of the MSY Pathway.

  (2) The Department shall prioritize for participation in the MSY Pathway under this section individuals who are historically underrepresented in:

    (i) higher education enrollment or completion; or

    (ii) employment by:

      (1) large-scale and community employers; or

      (2) participating organizations.

  (3) The Department shall prioritize for participation in the MSY Pathway under this section organizations that provide wraparound services to corps participants.

(c) A corps participant who receives a service placement in the MSY Pathway under this section shall:

  (1) participate in all training related to the service placement;

  (2) perform the duties of the service placement to the satisfaction of the participating organization and the Department;

  (3) participate in Program-wide events as determined by the Department;

  (4) be paid at least the applicable county or State minimum wage, whichever is greater, for mandatory work hours or mandatory Program activities; and

  (5) on completion of the Program, be notified of all available post-Program opportunities, including registered apprenticeships.

(d) The Department shall promote and publicize the availability of the MSY Pathway opportunities to:

  (1) historically black colleges and universities, as defined in Sec. 3-207 of the State Finance and Procurement Article;

  (2) community colleges;

  (3) trade schools;

  (4) faith-based institutions;

  (5) youth who are disconnected from school or work; and

  (6) employers and nonprofit organizations with potential service placements for the MSY Pathway under this section.

(e)

  (1) There is a Maryland Service Year Option Pathway Fund.

  (2) The purpose of the MSY Pathway Fund is to:

    (i) provide stipends to corps participants with a service placement in the Program under this section;

    (ii) provide Program completion awards to corps participants who have completed the Program;

    (iii) cover expenses incurred by the Department, including expenses incurred to study the potential use of the Program as a workforce development tool in the State;

    (iv) cover expenses incurred to study how alumni of the Program could be better positioned to meet the current and future needs of employers in the State;

    (v) provide funding for the MSY Pathway under this section to match gifts or grants received by the Department for the MSY Pathway Fund; and

    (vi) assist in the creation of additional corps programs under Sec. 21-207 of this subtitle.

  (3) The Department shall administer the MSY Pathway Fund.

  (4) Except as provided in paragraph (10) of this subsection, the MSY Pathway Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to Sec. 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

  (5)

    (i) The State Treasurer shall hold the MSY Pathway Fund separately and shall invest the money in the MSY Pathway Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.

    (ii) Any investment earnings of the MSY Pathway Fund shall be credited to the Fund.

  (6) The Comptroller shall separately account for each source for the MSY Pathway Fund.

  (7) The Department:

    (i) may accept any gift or grant from any person for the MSY Pathway Fund;

    (ii) shall use any gift or grant that it receives for the reasons stated under paragraph (2) of this subsection; and

    (iii) shall deposit any gift or grant that it receives for the MSY Pathway Fund with the State Treasurer.

  (8) The MSY Pathway Fund consists of:

    (i) money appropriated under subsection (f) of this section;

    (ii) gifts or grants received by the Department for the MSY Pathway Fund;

    (iii) investment earnings of the MSY Pathway Fund; and

    (iv) any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the MSY Pathway Fund.

  (9) The MSY Pathway Fund may be used only for the purposes described in paragraph (2) of this subsection.

  (10)

    (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, any unspent State appropriation of the MSY Pathway Fund shall revert to the General Fund of the State at the end of the fiscal year.

    (ii) For fiscal years 2024 through 2026, any unspent portion of the MSY Pathway Fund may not be transferred or revert to the General Fund of the State but shall remain in the MSY Pathway Fund to be used for the purposes specified in this subtitle.

  (11) Beginning with fiscal year 2026, at the end of each fiscal year, the Department shall include in the annual report submitted under Sec. 21-205(g) of this subtitle information on the MSY Pathway Fund that includes:

    (i) an accounting of all financial receipts and expenditures to and from the MSY Pathway Fund; and

    (ii) the following information:

      (1) the total number of corps participants disaggregated by demographic categories;

      (2) the total annual cost of the MSY Pathway disaggregated by the source of the funds;

      (3) corps participant transition after Program completion into higher education, postsecondary education, full-time employment, registered apprenticeships, and any other post-Program opportunity;

      (4) the number of corps participants employed by State or local government agencies after completion of the Program; and

      (5) to the extent practicable, what former corps participants are doing 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years after completing the Program.

  (12) The MSY Pathway Fund may be subject to an audit by the Legislative Auditor.

(f)

  (1) The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to the MSY Pathway Fund of:

    (i) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;

    (ii) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;

    (iii) $13,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; and

    (iv) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter.

  (2) It is the intent of the General Assembly that appropriations made under paragraph (1) of this subsection are in addition to any federal funding received for State service or volunteer programming.

  (3) Appropriations made under paragraph (1) of this subsection and other funding received by the Department for the MSY Pathway under this section shall be used to:

    (i) provide stipends to corps participants with a service placement in the Program under this section;

    (ii) provide Program completion awards to corps participants who have completed the Program;

    (iii) cover expenses incurred by the Department, including expenses incurred in marketing and recruitment; and

    (iv) cover programmatic expenses to expand service opportunities throughout the State, including expanding the Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Program, as provided under Sec.Sec. 8-1913 through 8-1924 of the Natural Resources Article.

#### Section 21-207

(a)

  (1) The Department shall explore the possibility of:

    (i) accessing federal or other grant funding for the Program; and

    (ii) awarding corps participants with:

      (1) academic credit for their service; or

      (2) credit for prior learning experience toward trade or vocational certification.

  (2) The Department shall consult with the Maryland Higher Education Commission, institutions of postsecondary education, the Maryland Department of Labor, and any other entity the Department determines relevant in determining the feasibility of implementing the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(b) The Department may use money from the YA Pathway Fund under Sec. 21-205 of this subtitle and the MSY Pathway Fund under Sec. 21-206 of this subtitle to:

  (1) create a Maryland Civilian Climate Corps to conserve and restore State and local parks and engage in other climate or environmental projects;

  (2) create a Maryland Historic Trades Corps to place young adults and young veterans in regionally based work crews tasked with rehabilitation of State historic resources; and

  (3) expand the Maryland Conservation Corps to engage in projects that manage natural resources and conserve parks.

#### Section 21-208

(a) On or before June 1, 2027, the Department shall contract with a public or private entity to conduct an independent evaluation of the Program.

(b) The independent evaluation shall evaluate:

  (1) the benefits to the communities being served by the Program;

  (2) the benefits to corps participants who completed the Program, including efficacy in transitioning corps participants to postsecondary education, the workforce, or registered apprenticeships;

  (3) the efficacy of the Program's professional development programming, training, and mentoring in supporting the State's workforce development needs;

  (4) the Program design, implementation, and overall efficiency in delivering intended outcomes; and

  (5) Any additional Program metrics developed by the Department.

(c) On or before July 1, 2028, the Department shall submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with Sec. 2-1257 of this article, the General Assembly on the results of the independent evaluation conducted in accordance with this section.

(d) Beginning on October 1, 2028, the Department shall publish an online dashboard of key performance indicators as determined in the report required under subsection (c) of this section.

#### Section 21-209

On or before December 1 each year, the Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with Sec. 2-1257 of this article, the General Assembly regarding:

(1) the number and amount of stipends awarded under the Program;

(2) the businesses, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies with which corps participants are placed;

(3) the institutions, if any, that award academic credit for a corps participant's service; and

(4) the number and amount of Program completion awards awarded under the Program.

### Subtitle 3. Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism

#### Section 21-301

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Corps" means the Maryland Service Corps.

(c) "Office" means the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism.

#### Section 21-302

There is a Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism within the Department.

#### Section 21-303

(a)

  (1) The head of the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism is the Director, who shall be appointed by the Governor.

  (2) The Director serves at the pleasure of the Governor.

  (3) The Director is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.

(b)

  (1) The Office shall employ staff to carry out its duties as provided in the State budget.

  (2) In furtherance of the purposes of the Office, the Director is authorized to execute contracts and accept grants or donations from governmental or private sources.

#### Section 21-304

The Office shall:

(1) encourage volunteering throughout the State by individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations;

(2) promote the use of volunteers in State and local government;

(3) identify governmental agencies where private sector involvement in volunteer programs can be of assistance and provide technical assistance in developing such programs; and

(4) provide information services to volunteer programs and government units throughout the State.

#### Section 21-305

(a) The Maryland Service Corps is established for the purpose of encouraging and developing a program of full- and part-time public service that involves citizens of all ages throughout the State of Maryland in meeting the essential needs, as the Office shall identify, within the human service delivery systems in Maryland.

(b) A project shall not be undertaken under the auspices of the Maryland Service Corps if such project shall replace regular workers or duplicate or replace an existing service in the same locality.

(c) A member of the Corps may not participate in any partisan political activity while engaged in the performance of duties as a stipend volunteer, and the provisions of this subtitle shall be effective only to the extent that they do not conflict with any federal or State laws or regulations relating to participation in partisan political activities.

(d) The number of stipend volunteers in the Corps shall be determined by the Director based on the needs of the community and the limits of budgetary appropriations.

(e) A stipend volunteer in the Corps shall make a commitment of up to 1 year of service. Stipend volunteers shall receive no salary, but shall receive a stipend, as determined by the Director, based on the needs of the stipend volunteer and the limits of budgetary appropriations.

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Md. Code Ann., State Gov't (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)