<section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-101" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Department” means the Department of Service and Civic Innovation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Secretary” means the Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-102" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Department of Service and Civic Innovation, established as a principal department of the State government.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Department is to promote service and volunteerism in the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-103" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary shall take the oath of office required under Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary is a member of the Governor’s Executive Council.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary serves at the pleasure of the Governor and is responsible directly to the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary may establish, reorganize, or abolish areas of responsibility in the Department as necessary to fulfill the duties assigned to the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Secretary is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-104" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary may employ a staff in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary may appoint a Deputy Secretary and other professional staff and contract with consultants as authorized representatives.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary shall appoint and remove all staff in accordance with the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-105" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary is responsible for the budget of the office of the Secretary and the budget for each unit in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary may adopt rules and regulations in carrying out the provisions of law that are within the jurisdiction of the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary may create any advisory council that the Secretary considers necessary and assign appropriate functions to it.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Secretary shall have a seal.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary is responsible for the coordination and direction of all planning that the office of the Secretary initiates.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Each unit in the Department shall report to the Secretary as provided in the rules, regulations, or written directives that the Secretary adopts.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Except as otherwise provided by law and §§ 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.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>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.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-106" future_version_removed="true" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>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</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>identify, develop, and implement initiatives to increase service and volunteerism in the State to create opportunities and strengthen communities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>promote the use of volunteers in State and local government, employers, and nonprofit organizations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>coordinate and oversee the activities of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Maryland Corps Program under Subtitle 2 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>develop and implement model programs for a statewide clearinghouse, skill banks, or information centers for volunteers and projects in the State;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>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;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>administer:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Maryland Corps Program under Subtitle 2 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any other volunteer program recommended or designated by the Governor or otherwise established by law;</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>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;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>conduct studies and make recommendations to improve volunteer recruitment and training, volunteer retention, and accountability of volunteer programs;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>provide staff support for the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <level label="i"> <text>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 § 15–160 of the Health – General Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>if appropriate, forward a recommendation made under item (i) of this item to the Maryland Department of Health for inclusion in the database.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-107" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Attorney General is legal adviser to the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Attorney General also shall designate an assistant attorney general as counsel to the Department.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-201" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Corps Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Advisory Board” means the Maryland Corps Program Advisory Board.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Corps participant” means an individual who participates in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Department” means the Department of Service and Civic Innovation.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“MSY Pathway” means the Maryland Service Year Option Pathway.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“MSY Pathway Fund” means the Maryland Service Year Option Pathway Fund.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Participating organization” means a business, nonprofit organization, or government agency that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>has a focus on community or other service, service learning, volunteerism, or other activities or experiences with a similar mission;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>hosts a program participant in a service role; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Title 20, Subtitle 6 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Program” means the Maryland Corps Program.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Wraparound services” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>child care;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>transportation;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>housing;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>behavioral health;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>crisis intervention;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>substance abuse prevention or treatment;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>legal aid;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>financial literacy programming;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>job search and application support; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>college application support.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“YA Pathway” means the Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“YA Pathway Fund” means the Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway Fund.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-202" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Corps Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Maryland Corps Program in the State administered and managed by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Program has two pathways:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Maryland Service Year Option Pathway.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Program is subject to Title 14, Subtitle 3 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide meaningful service opportunities to corps participants that will address the social needs of the community;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>provide Program completion awards to corps participants who have completed the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Program is subject to review under § 2–1220 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-203" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Corps Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Maryland Corps Program Advisory Board.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Advisory Board consists of the following members:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a Board Chair, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>two members jointly appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House:</text> <level label="1"> <text>one of whom must represent a service organization in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>one of whom shall be:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>a current participant in a public service program; or</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>a former participant in a public service program whose participation ended during the preceding 3 years;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>one member appointed by the President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>one member appointed by the Speaker of the House; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>five members appointed by the Governor:</text> <level label="1"> <text>one of whom shall be a representative from the Maryland State Service Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>one of whom shall be a health officer, as defined in § 1–101 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In making appointments to the Advisory Board, the President, Speaker, and Governor shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the professional or personal experience of the individual in community or other service, nonprofit management, civic engagement, or volunteerism;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the cultural, geographic, racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>an individual’s experience and knowledge in workforce development, including regional workforce needs, training, career development programming, and workforce investment boards.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A member of the Advisory Board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not receive compensation as a member of the Advisory Board; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member of the Advisory Board is 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of the members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members on June 1, 2023.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A member may be reappointed but may not serve more than two consecutive full terms.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>A member appointed by the President may be removed by the President for the reasons stated in paragraph (5) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A member appointed by the Speaker may be removed by the Speaker for the reasons stated in paragraph (5) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A member appointed by the Governor may be removed by the Governor for the reasons stated in paragraph (5) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Advisory Board Chair may be removed by the Governor for the reasons stated in paragraph (5) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A member of the Advisory Board may be removed for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>incompetence;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>misconduct;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>immorality; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>failure to perform the duties of the position.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Advisory Board members are subject to the requirements of Title 5 of the General Provisions Article.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Advisory Board shall meet at least three times each year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Advisory Board meetings are subject to the requirements of Title 3 of the General Provisions Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Advisory Board has the following duties and responsibilities:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be a liaison with the Department in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>seeking community service opportunities and opportunities for Program expansion;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>recruiting corps participants;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>seeking gifts or grants and other financial resources for the benefit of the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>maintaining relationships with current and former corps participants;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>advise the Department on best practices for service and volunteerism;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>provide oversight of the design, development, implementation, operation, and expansion of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>participate in Program–sponsored events; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>any other duties as determined by the Department.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-204" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Corps Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall administer and manage the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department is responsible for expanding service opportunities in the State through the Program with the following goals:</text> <level label="1"> <text>creating a strong annual cohort bond of unity for corps participants from urban, rural, and suburban areas of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>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</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>ensuring each district of the State can communicate its unique community needs and choose the appropriate solutions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In working with the AmeriCorps Program under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department shall focus on expanding the service opportunities in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>State and local parks;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>public and community health sectors; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the clean and renewable energy sector.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations regarding:</text> <level label="1"> <text>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;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>eligibility requirements for participating organizations, classified by the Department based on the number of service placements the organization’s grant will support, as:</text> <level label="i"> <text>community employers; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>large–scale employers;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>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;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>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;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>reasonable workplace accommodations for corps participants with disabilities;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>stipends for corps participants, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>monetary payment of at least the applicable county or State minimum wage, whichever is greater;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>health insurance benefits and the potential for wraparound services; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>requirements for large–scale employers to provide matching funds;</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>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;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>workforce development training and wraparound services provided to corps participants by participating organizations or State agencies;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>additional training and support services provided to corps participants after the completion of the corps participant’s service;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>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</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>ongoing evaluation of the Program to ensure access and effectiveness, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>demographics of corps participants, including race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender, education, and geography;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>whether Program pathways are facilitating entry into public sector workforce positions;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>post–Program trajectories of corps participants; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>an evaluation of the needs served in the community by the Program.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-205" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Corps Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway is to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide service placements to eligible young adults as an additional option to immediately pursuing postsecondary education or career and technical training;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>equip corps participants with professional development, mentoring, job training, financial literacy skills, and other supports while working in high–impact service placements;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>assist in addressing the State’s greatest challenges by channeling the next generation of Maryland citizens into impactful public service; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>strengthen a pipeline of talent into State and local governments to fill present and future staffing needs.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual may apply to the Department for a service placement in the YA Pathway under this section if the individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is a Maryland resident on the submission of application;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has graduated from high school or has obtained a similar level of education completion, including an individual who has obtained a:</text> <level label="i"> <text>high school diploma;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>high school diploma by examination; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>high school certificate of completion; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is at least 18 years old and under the age of 25 years at the start date of the YA Pathway.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall set targets for participation in the YA Pathway under this section, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>200 corps participants in the first year of implementation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>750 corps participants in the third year of implementation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>1,100 corps participants in the fourth year of implementation;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>1,550 corps participants in the fifth year of implementation; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>2,000 corps participants in the sixth year of implementation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall prioritize for participation in the YA Pathway under this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>individuals historically underrepresented in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>higher education enrollment or completion; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>employment:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>by large–scale and community employers;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>by participating organizations; or</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>in professions and occupations that require licensure or certification; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>organizations that provide wraparound services to corps participants.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall develop focus areas for the YA Pathway under this section for the purpose of addressing priority State and community issues, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>climate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>education; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>health.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A corps participant who receives a service placement in the YA Pathway under this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>participate in all training related to the service placement;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>work at least 30 hours per week;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>be partnered with an on–site mentor;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>perform the duties of the service placement to the satisfaction of the participating organization and the Department;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>participate in Program–wide events;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>be paid at least the applicable county or State minimum wage, whichever is greater, for mandatory work hours or mandatory Program activities; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>on completion of the Program, be notified of all available post–Program opportunities, including registered apprenticeships.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Department shall promote and publicize the availability of opportunities in the YA Pathway to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>high schools and adult high schools in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>community and nonprofit organizations;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>faith–based institutions; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>employers that are potential service placement providers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the YA Pathway Fund is to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide stipends to corps participants with a service placement in the Program under this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>pay the costs to administer and promote the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>assist in the creation of additional corps programs under § 21–207 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department shall administer the YA Pathway Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (9) of this subsection, the YA Pathway Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any investment earnings of the YA Pathway Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Comptroller shall separately account for each source for the YA Pathway Fund.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Department:</text> <level label="i"> <text>may accept any gift or grant from any person for the YA Pathway Fund;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall use any gift or grant that it receives for the purposes listed under paragraph (2) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>shall deposit with the State Treasurer any gift or grant that it receives for the YA Pathway Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The YA Pathway Fund consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>money appropriated to the YA Pathway Fund under the Program in the State budget;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>gifts or grants received by the Department for the YA Pathway Fund;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>investment earnings of the YA Pathway Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the YA Pathway Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <level label="i"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="10"> <text>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:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an accounting of all financial receipts and expenditures to and from the YA Pathway Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the following information:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the total number of corps participants disaggregated by demographic categories;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the total annual cost of the YA Pathway disaggregated by the source of the funds;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>corps participant transition after Program completion into higher education, postsecondary education, full–time employment, registered apprenticeships, and any other post–Program opportunity;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the number of corps participants employed by State or local government agencies after completion of the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>to the extent practicable, what former corps participants are doing 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years after completing the Program.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="11"> <text>The Department shall submit a copy of the report prepared under paragraph (10) of this subsection to the General Assembly in accordance with § 2–1257 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>The YA Pathway Fund is subject to audit by the Office of Legislative Audits in accordance with § 2–1220 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-206" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Corps Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Maryland Service Year Option Pathway in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the Maryland Service Year Option Pathway is to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>equip corps participants with professional development, mentoring, job training, financial literacy skills, and other supports while working in high–impact service placements;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>assist in addressing the State’s greatest challenges by channeling the talents of individuals into impactful public service; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>strengthen a pipeline of talent into State and local governments to fill present and future staffing needs.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>An individual may apply to the Department for a service placement in the MSY Pathway under this section if the individual is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a Maryland resident; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>at least 18 years old at the start date of the MSY Pathway.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall prioritize for participation in the MSY Pathway under this section individuals who are historically underrepresented in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>higher education enrollment or completion; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>employment by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>large–scale and community employers; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>participating organizations.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department shall prioritize for participation in the MSY Pathway under this section organizations that provide wraparound services to corps participants.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A corps participant who receives a service placement in the MSY Pathway under this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>participate in all training related to the service placement;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>perform the duties of the service placement to the satisfaction of the participating organization and the Department;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>participate in Program–wide events as determined by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>be paid at least the applicable county or State minimum wage, whichever is greater, for mandatory work hours or mandatory Program activities; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>on completion of the Program, be notified of all available post–Program opportunities, including registered apprenticeships.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall promote and publicize the availability of the MSY Pathway opportunities to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>historically black colleges and universities, as defined in § 3–207 of the State Finance and Procurement Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>community colleges;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>trade schools;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>faith–based institutions;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>youth who are disconnected from school or work; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>employers and nonprofit organizations with potential service placements for the MSY Pathway under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Maryland Service Year Option Pathway Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the MSY Pathway Fund is to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide stipends to corps participants with a service placement in the Program under this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>provide Program completion awards to corps participants who have completed the Program;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>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;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>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;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>provide funding for the MSY Pathway under this section to match gifts or grants received by the Department for the MSY Pathway Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>assist in the creation of additional corps programs under § 21–207 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department shall administer the MSY Pathway Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (10) of this subsection, the MSY Pathway Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any investment earnings of the MSY Pathway Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Comptroller shall separately account for each source for the MSY Pathway Fund.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Department:</text> <level label="i"> <text>may accept any gift or grant from any person for the MSY Pathway Fund;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall use any gift or grant that it receives for the reasons stated under paragraph (2) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>shall deposit any gift or grant that it receives for the MSY Pathway Fund with the State Treasurer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The MSY Pathway Fund consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>money appropriated under subsection (f) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>gifts or grants received by the Department for the MSY Pathway Fund;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>investment earnings of the MSY Pathway Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the MSY Pathway Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The MSY Pathway Fund may be used only for the purposes described in paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="10"> <level label="i"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Beginning with fiscal year 2026, at the end of each fiscal year, the Department shall include in the annual report submitted under § 21–205(g) of this subtitle information on the MSY Pathway Fund that includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an accounting of all financial receipts and expenditures to and from the MSY Pathway Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the following information:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the total number of corps participants disaggregated by demographic categories;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the total annual cost of the MSY Pathway disaggregated by the source of the funds;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>corps participant transition after Program completion into higher education, postsecondary education, full–time employment, registered apprenticeships, and any other post–Program opportunity;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the number of corps participants employed by State or local government agencies after completion of the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>to the extent practicable, what former corps participants are doing 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years after completing the Program.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="12"> <text>The MSY Pathway Fund may be subject to an audit by the Legislative Auditor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to the MSY Pathway Fund of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$5,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$10,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>$13,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>$20,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>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:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide stipends to corps participants with a service placement in the Program under this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>provide Program completion awards to corps participants who have completed the Program;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>cover expenses incurred by the Department, including expenses incurred in marketing and recruitment; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>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 §§ 8–1913 through 8–1924 of the Natural Resources Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-207" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Corps Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall explore the possibility of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>accessing federal or other grant funding for the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>awarding corps participants with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>academic credit for their service; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>credit for prior learning experience toward trade or vocational certification.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may use money from the YA Pathway Fund under § 21–205 of this subtitle and the MSY Pathway Fund under § 21–206 of this subtitle to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>create a Maryland Civilian Climate Corps to conserve and restore State and local parks and engage in other climate or environmental projects;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>expand the Maryland Conservation Corps to engage in projects that manage natural resources and conserve parks.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-208" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Corps Program"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before June 1, 2027, the Department shall contract with a public or private entity to conduct an independent evaluation of the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The independent evaluation shall evaluate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the benefits to the communities being served by the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the benefits to corps participants who completed the Program, including efficacy in transitioning corps participants to postsecondary education, the workforce, or registered apprenticeships;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the efficacy of the Program’s professional development programming, training, and mentoring in supporting the State’s workforce development needs;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the Program design, implementation, and overall efficiency in delivering intended outcomes; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any additional Program metrics developed by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before July 1, 2028, the Department shall submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of this article, the General Assembly on the results of the independent evaluation conducted in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>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.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-209" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Corps Program"> <text>On or before December 1 each year, the Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of this article, the General Assembly regarding:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the number and amount of stipends awarded under the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the businesses, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies with which corps participants are placed;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the institutions, if any, that award academic credit for a corps participant’s service; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the number and amount of Program completion awards awarded under the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-301" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Corps” means the Maryland Service Corps.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Office” means the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-302" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism"> <text>There is a Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism within the Department.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-303" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The head of the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism is the Director, who shall be appointed by the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Director serves at the pleasure of the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Director is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Office shall employ staff to carry out its duties as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-304" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism"> <text>The Office shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>encourage volunteering throughout the State by individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>promote the use of volunteers in State and local government;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>identify governmental agencies where private sector involvement in volunteer programs can be of assistance and provide technical assistance in developing such programs; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>provide information services to volunteer programs and government units throughout the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="21-305" title_number="21" title_name="Department of Service and Civic Innovation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism"> <level label="a"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>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.</text> </level> </section>