In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Active duty” has the meaning stated in 37 U.S.C. § 101. “Active military, naval, air, or space service” has the meaning stated in 38 U.S.C. § 101. “Active service member” means an individual who is: an active duty member of the uniformed services; or serving in a reserve component of the uniformed services on active duty orders. “Armed forces” has the meaning stated in 10 U.S.C. § 101. “Board” means the Board of Trustees of the Maryland Veterans Trust. “Department” means the Department of Veterans and Military Families. “Interment” means all final disposition of human remains, including: earth burial; and niche or columbarium inurnment. “Interment location” means a grave plot or niche in a columbarium. “Military family” includes the spouse and dependent children of a service member or veteran related by blood, marriage, or adoption. “Military protection order” means a protection order issued in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 1567 by a commanding officer against a person under the officer’s command in: any branch of the uniformed services; the Maryland National Guard; or the national guard of any other state. “Reserve component” has the meaning stated in 37 U.S.C. § 101. “Secretary” means the Secretary of Veterans and Military Families. “Service member” means an individual who is a member of: the uniformed services; or a reserve component of the uniformed services. “Trust” means the Maryland Veterans Trust. “Uniformed services” has the meaning stated in 37 U.S.C. § 101. Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, “veteran” has the meaning stated in 38 U.S.C. § 101.

There is a Department of Veterans and Military Families, established as a principal department of the State government. The head of the Department is the Secretary of Veterans and Military Families who shall be: a veteran who has an honorable discharge from active service with a uniformed service; and appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Secretary serves at the pleasure of the Governor and is responsible directly to the Governor. 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. The Secretary is responsible for: the operation of the Department and shall establish guidelines and procedures to promote the orderly and efficient operation of the Department; and the development of coordinated policies for leading veterans, service members, and their families through life’s transitions, including assisting in securing benefits earned through service in the uniformed services and reserve components. Subject to the provisions of this subtitle, the Secretary may establish, reorganize, or consolidate areas of responsibility in the Department as necessary to fulfill the duties assigned by the Secretary. The Secretary shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle. The Secretary is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.

The Secretary shall appoint a Deputy Secretary of Military Family Policy and Programs. The Deputy Secretary shall serve at the pleasure of the Secretary. The Deputy Secretary is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget. The Deputy Secretary shall direct policy and programs related to military families.

The Attorney General is the legal adviser to the Department.

The Department may: establish service centers that the Department considers necessary or advisable to facilitate and expedite the servicing of claims of veterans and dependents; and close any service center that the Department no longer considers necessary. The Department shall try to locate each service center centrally in the area to be served so that the greatest number of veterans: have access with the least possible delay, travel, and inconvenience; and receive, as far as possible, personal attention. There shall be a Director of Veterans Service Centers responsible for the supervision of veterans service centers, whose duties shall include maintaining contact with the appropriate governmental unit regarding the status of each claim of a veteran or eligible dependent of a veteran.

The Department shall: help veterans and their dependents to receive promptly and regularly all of the benefits to which veterans or dependents are entitled under federal law; help veterans and their dependents in: preparing, in proper form, claims for benefits; presenting the claims to the appropriate governmental unit; trying to prevent and to relieve congestion in the processing of the claims; and obtaining and expediting action on the claims; and on request, provide a veteran with a document certifying veteran status.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Advertisement” means: a written or printed communication made for the purpose of soliciting business for veterans benefits appeals services; a directory listing for a person that is offering veterans benefits appeals services; or a radio, television, computer network or airwave, or electronic transmission that solicits business for or promotes a person offering veterans benefits appeals services. “Veterans benefits appeals services” means any services that a veteran might reasonably require in order to appeal a denial of federal, state, or local veterans benefits, including denials of disability, limited income, home loan, insurance, education and training, health care, interment and memorial, and dependent and survivor benefits. “Veterans benefits services” means any services a veteran or a family member of a veteran might reasonably use in order to obtain federal, state, or local veterans benefits. Before entering into an agreement with an individual for the provision of veterans benefits services or veterans benefits appeals services, a person who charges a fee for those services shall: provide a written disclosure statement to each individual; and obtain the individual’s signature on the written disclosure statement acknowledging that the individual understands the disclosure statement. The written disclosure statement shall: be on a form approved by the Secretary; and state that veterans benefits services and veterans benefits appeals services are offered at no cost by the Department and other veterans services organizations accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A person who charges a fee for providing veterans benefits appeals services shall provide in any advertisement for appeals services notice that appeals services are also offered at no cost by the Department and other veterans services organizations accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A person who violates the provisions of this section is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation. Civil penalties shall be in an amount ordered by the District Court in an action brought by the Attorney General. Each day a violation continues is a separate violation. Any civil penalty collected shall be deposited in the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “American braille tactile flag” means a tactile flag designed to allow blind people to experience the American flag, including a flag created by the Kansas Braille Transcription Institute. In this section and in § 9–907 of this subtitle, “eligible decedent” means: a veteran; a qualified reserve member; or an eligible spouse or dependent. “Eligible dependent” means: a child who meets the requirements stated in 38 C.F.R. § 38.620(e); a parent who meets the requirements stated in 38 C.F.R. § 38.620(i); or a parent or child related by blood, marriage, or adoption of a qualified reserve member. “Eligible spouse” means: a spouse who meets the requirements stated in 38 C.F.R. § 38.620(e); or a spouse of a qualified reserve member. “Qualified reserve member” means a reserve component member who does not meet the requirements for interment at a national veterans’ cemetery but served other than dishonorably and completed the individual’s contractual obligation of service. “State veterans’ cemetery” means a cemetery that the Department establishes under this section. “Washington Cemetery” means the Civil War cemetery grounds authorized by Chapter 213 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1870. The Department may establish one or more cemeteries in the State for the burial of eligible decedents as authorized by the Secretary. The Department may accept land, on behalf of the State or a political subdivision of the State, or otherwise acquire land for a State veterans’ cemetery, if the Department has the approval of: the governing body of the county where the State veterans’ cemetery is to be located; the delegation in the General Assembly for the county where the State veterans’ cemetery is to be located; and the Board of Public Works. The Department shall maintain and supervise each State veterans’ cemetery. The Washington Cemetery shall be under the supervision of the Department. The Department shall provide an interment location in a State veterans’ cemetery, without charge, to a veteran or a veteran’s eligible spouse or dependent who meets the requirements of this section. To qualify for an interment location in a State veterans’ cemetery: the eligible decedent must be: a veteran who meets the requirements for interment at a national veterans’ cemetery; a qualified reserve member; or an eligible spouse or dependent who meets the requirements of this subsection; and if a qualified reserve member, the qualified reserve member must also have been a resident of the State: when the qualified reserve member entered the reserve component; when the qualified reserve member died; or for 2 years, unless, for a reason that the Department finds compelling, the Department waives the time period. To obtain an interment location in a State veterans’ cemetery, an applicant shall submit to the Department an application on the form that the Department provides. In an interment location that is allotted to a veteran or a qualified reserve member, the Department shall inter: the veteran or qualified reserve member; and any member of the immediate family who is an eligible spouse or dependent if the family member can be interred in a space above or below the veteran or qualified reserve member or in the next available interment location. With each interment location, the Department shall provide an outer burial receptacle or columbarium niche and marker at no cost for the veteran or the veteran’s eligible spouse or dependent. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department may not charge a veteran or a veteran’s eligible spouse or dependent for interment. If the individual being interred is a qualified reserve member or a qualified reserve member’s eligible spouse or dependent, the Department shall collect at the time of interment a fee that is equal to the annual interment location allowance established by the National Cemetery Administration. The Department shall designate a location for an American braille tactile flag to be placed in one or more State veterans’ cemeteries as authorized by the Secretary to honor members of the uniformed services, veterans, and other individuals in the State who are blind or visually impaired.

The Department shall keep a registry of the interment locations of eligible decedents who are interred in the State veterans’ cemeteries.

In this section, “veterans’ memorials and monuments” means: the Maryland Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Associated Land as established pursuant to Joint Resolution No. 22 of 1983; the Maryland Korean War Memorial and Associated Land as established pursuant to Joint Resolution No. 3 of 1985; and the Maryland World War II Memorial and Associated Land. There is a Veterans’ Memorials and Monuments Program administered by the Department. The purpose of the Program is to provide for the operation, maintenance, security, and preservation of veterans’ memorials and monuments. In furtherance of these purposes, the Department may, as provided for in the budget: lease land on behalf of the State or a political subdivision of the State; or acquire land that has been improved by construction of a memorial or monument. The Secretary may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section. The Department shall, as provided for in the budget, provide for the management of the veterans’ memorials and monuments as provided in this section. The Department may delegate any of its powers and duties under this section to a special commission or board created by the Department and approved by the Governor. The Department may acquire, hold, use, and improve property for the purposes specified in subsection (c) of this section. Subject to Title 7 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, the Department may: accept gifts or grants; unless otherwise provided, spend the principal and income of a gift or grant; and invest all or part of the principal income in general obligations of the State or any other security.

“Home” means the home or homes for veterans that the Department supervises.

The Department shall: maintain and supervise generally the home in accordance with this subtitle; and adopt any regulation that is needed for management of the home, including regulations for admission, maintenance, and discharge of its residents. The Department may appoint a Director for the home and employ any other staff that is needed to manage the home properly. In appointing or employing staff, the Department shall give preference to a veteran who has an honorable discharge from the uniformed services. The Director shall: serve at the pleasure of the Secretary; and perform any duty that the Department requires.

In accordance with the regulations of the Department and applicable law, the home shall be open: to a veteran who: has an honorable discharge from active service with a uniformed service; and is a resident of the State as defined in regulations adopted by the Secretary; or to a spouse of an eligible veteran. The Department may charge an individual a reasonable fee for residence in the home. The Department shall set the fee in accordance with the ability of an individual to pay. However, the fee may not exceed the cost of maintaining the resident in the home and shall allow the resident enough money for necessary and incidental expenses. A resident may be discharged in accordance with the regulations of the Department and applicable law.

To carry out the responsibilities and goals of the Department, the Department may acquire, hold, use, improve, and convey property. In addition to any other power under this section, the Department may lease any part of the home property for use as a concession or other commercial purpose that is consistent with the purposes of the Department. However, the Department may not lease its property merely for investment purposes. Notwithstanding any other law, unless the lease expressly provides for redemption by the tenant, the lease is not subject to redemption.

Subject to Title 7 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, to carry out the purposes or goals of the Department, the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home may: accept a gift or grant for use at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home; and unless the terms of a gift or grant require otherwise, and subject to the approval of the Secretary, spend the principal and income of the gift or grant for use at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. Gifts and grants that the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home accepts under subsection (a) of this section for use at the Home: shall be administered by the Director of the Veterans Home Program; and are not subject to reversion under § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. On or before July 31 of each year, the Director of the Veterans Home Program shall submit a report to the Secretary on the status of the gifts and grants accepted for use at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. On or before August 31 of each year, the Secretary shall submit a report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of this article, on the status of the gifts and grants accepted for use at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. The reports required under this subsection shall include the following information on the gifts and grants accepted for use at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home during the previous fiscal year: the gross amount of the gifts and grants; the costs of administration of the gifts and grants; and a detailed accounting of the use of the gifts and grants.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Bed lease payments” means a daily rate paid by the contractor that operates the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home to the State in lease payments based on the total number of beds, regardless of whether all of the beds are filled. “Fund” means the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Fund. There is a Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Fund. The purpose of the Fund is to maintain the operation of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. The Secretary shall administer the Fund. The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. Except as provided in subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, any unspent portions of the Fund may not be transferred to or revert to the General Fund of the State. If, after deducting all expenses authorized under subsection (g) of this section, the remaining balance of the revenue to the Department from bed lease payments at the end of a fiscal year is greater than 10% of the total budget of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home for that fiscal year, the amount of the remaining balance that is in excess of 10% of the total budget shall revert to the General Fund of the State. The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund. The Fund consists of bed lease payments. The Fund may be used only for: the salaries and benefits of the departmental staff of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home; improvements to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home; and any other operating expenses of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested. Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the General Fund of the State. Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget. Money expended from the Fund for the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home is supplemental to, and is not intended to take the place of, funding that otherwise would be appropriated for the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. The Office of Legislative Audits shall audit the accounts and transactions of the Fund as provided in § 2–1220 of this article.

In this section, “Fund” means the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund. There is a Maryland Veterans Trust established for the purpose of providing monetary and other assistance to: veterans and their families; members of the Maryland National Guard and their families; and public and private programs that support veterans and their families. There is a Maryland Veterans Trust Fund. The Trust shall be a body corporate and shall have perpetual existence, subject to modification or termination by the General Assembly if necessary to effectuate its purpose or if its substantial purpose ceases to exist. The Fund consists of: gifts and grants that the Trust receives under § 9–914.2(a)(1) of this subtitle; contributions to the Fund from: the sale of tickets from instant ticket lottery machines under § 9–112(d) of this title; the donations from video lottery facility players under § 9–1A–04(d)(19) of this title; the designated fees from special registration plates for recipients of an individually earned, combat–related armed forces medal or a non–combat–related uniformed services medal of the highest levels under § 13–619.1 of the Transportation Article; and civil penalties collected in accordance with § 9–905.1 of this subtitle; and the net proceeds from contributions under the income tax checkoff established under § 2–117 of the Tax – General Article. Money in the Fund may only be used to: make grants and loans under § 9–914.2(a)(3) of this subtitle; be invested under § 9–914.3(b) of this subtitle; and pay the costs of administering the Fund through distribution to an administrative cost account in the Department. Money expended from the Fund is not intended to take the place of funding that would otherwise be appropriated to the Department.

The powers and duties of the Trust shall rest in and be exercised by a Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees shall consist of the following 12 members: the Secretary, ex officio, or the Secretary’s designee, who shall serve as the chair; the Secretary of Aging, ex officio, or the Secretary’s designee; the Secretary of Labor, ex officio, or the Secretary’s designee; the Secretary of Health, ex officio, or the Secretary’s designee; the Secretary of Human Services, ex officio, or the Secretary’s designee; the Secretary of Disabilities, ex officio, or the Secretary’s designee; the Adjutant General of the Military Department, ex officio, or the Adjutant General’s designee; one representative of each of the following organizations, appointed by the Governor: a veterans service organization; a nonprofit organization that serves veterans; and the business community; as an ex officio trustee, a member of the House of Delegates appointed by the Speaker of the House; and as an ex officio trustee, a member of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate. The Governor shall consider geographical balance in making appointments to the Board of Trustees. Except for the ex officio members or their designees: the term of a member is 4 years; the terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on July 1, 2013; at the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies; a member who is appointed after a term has begun serves for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies; and a member may serve no more than 2 terms.

The Board shall meet at places and dates to be determined by the Board, but not less than 2 times a year. A majority of the trustees is a quorum. A trustee: may not receive compensation as a trustee; but is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. The Department shall provide staff, supplies, and office space for the Board.

The Trust shall have the powers and duties to: solicit and accept any gift, grant, legacy, or endowment of money from the federal government, State government, local government, or any private source in furtherance of the Trust; maintain the Fund, which shall consist of any gift, grant, legacy, or endowment provided to the Trust under item (1) of this subsection; expend money from the Fund to provide grants or loans to: veterans and their families; members of the Maryland National Guard and their families; public and private programs that support veterans and their families; or any other programs that the Trust considers to be within the purpose for which the Trust is established; develop projects for sponsorship by corporate and business organizations or private individuals; make, execute, and enter into any contract or other legal instrument; receive appropriations as provided in the State budget; acquire, hold, use, improve, and convey property; lease and maintain an office at a place within the State that the Trust designates; adopt bylaws for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business; take any other action necessary to carry out the purposes of the Trust; sue and be sued, but only to enforce contractual or similar agreements with the Trust; and submit a report on or before August 31 of each year to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of this article, to the General Assembly, with recommendations or requests deemed appropriate to further the purposes of the Trust, and a description of the activities of the Trust during the preceding year, including: the gross amount of gifts and grants credited to the Trust; the costs of administration of the Trust; and a detailed accounting of the use of the Trust. The Trust may carry out its corporate purposes without obtaining the consent of any department, board, or agency of the State. In exercising its powers, the Trust is exempt from the provisions of Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

All money received by the Trust shall be deposited, as directed by the Trust, in any state or national bank, or federally or state–insured savings and loan associations located in the State having a total paid–in capital of at least $1,000,000. The trust department of any state or national bank or savings and loan association may be designated as a depository to receive any securities acquired or owned by the Trust. The restriction with respect to paid–in capital may be waived for any qualifying bank or savings and loan association that agrees to pledge securities of the state or of the United States to protect the funds and securities of the Trust in amounts and under arrangements acceptable to the Trust. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, any money of the Trust, in its discretion and unless otherwise provided in any agreement or covenant between the Trust and the holders of any of its obligations limiting or restricting classes of investments, may be invested in bonds or other obligations of the United States, the State, the political subdivisions or units of the State, direct or indirect federal agencies, corporate bonds with a rating of BAA3/BBB, or mortgage–backed and asset–backed securities with a rating of AAA. The overall investment portfolio of the Trust must have a rating of at least AA. The Trust shall make provision for a system of financial accounting, controls, audits, and reports. The books, records, and accounts of the Trust are subject to audit by the State.

In this Part II of this subtitle, “Commission” means the Maryland Veterans Commission.

There is a Maryland Veterans Commission in the Department that shall advise the Secretary of all matters pertaining to veterans issues.

The Commission consists of the following members appointed by the Governor. Of the members: 1 shall be appointed from each of the 8 congressional districts in the State; 1 shall be a veteran appointed from the State at large; 1 shall be a woman veteran appointed from the State at large; 1 shall be a representative of a retired enlisted organization; 1 shall be a veteran of the Iraq or Afghanistan conflict, as defined in § 1–202(a–1) of the Public Safety Article; and 1 shall be appointed from a list of individuals submitted to the Governor by each of the following organizations: the American Legion; the AMVETS; the Catholic War Veterans; the Disabled American Veterans; the Fleet Reserve Association; the Jewish War Veterans; the Marine Corps League; the Maryland Military Officers Association of America; the Military Order of the Purple Heart; the Veterans of Foreign Wars; the Vietnam Veterans of America; the Korean War Veterans Association, Inc.; the National Association for Black Veterans; the Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America; the Reserve Organization of America; and an organization representing military families. Each member must be a resident of the State. The term of an appointed member is 5 years. The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 1984. At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. When an organization is no longer a part of the Commission, the appointment shall terminate at the end of the current member’s term. An organization’s representative seat may be removed if the organization fails to appoint a new commissioner for 2 continuous years. An organization may be removed from the Commission if a representative from the organization is not recommended by that organization.

From among the members of the Commission, the Governor shall appoint a chair. A vice chair shall be elected by a simple majority vote of the Commission.

The Commission shall determine the times and places of its meetings. A member of the Commission: may not receive compensation; but if the Commission approves, is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. The Department shall provide staff support to the Commission in accordance with the State budget.

There is a Maryland Veterans’ Home Commission in the Department.

The purpose of the Maryland Veterans’ Home Commission is to advise the Department of issues related to State veterans homes. The General Assembly declares the purpose of the Maryland Veterans’ Home Commission to be of general benefit to the veterans of the State.

This Part III of this subtitle does not limit any power or activity of: a unit of the State government; a political subdivision of the State; or any person who is interested in veterans in the State.

The Veterans’ Home Commission consists of the following 14 members: 11 individuals appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; and as ex officio members: the Governor; the President of the Senate; and the Speaker of the House of Delegates. The term of an appointed member is 5 years. The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Veterans’ Home Commission on October 1, 1984. At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. As far as is practicable and is consistent with the purposes and goals of the Veterans’ Home Commission, the Governor shall choose appointed members so as to have a broad distribution from among: veterans and veterans’ organizations; and the geographical areas of the State.

From among its members, the Veterans’ Home Commission shall elect a chair, a secretary, and any other officers that the Commission considers appropriate. The manner of election of officers and their terms of office shall be as the Veterans’ Home Commission determines.

Seven members of the Veterans’ Home Commission are a quorum to do business. The Veterans’ Home Commission shall meet: at least twice a year, at the times and places that it determines; and at the call of the Chair, on the Chair’s initiative or on the request of at least 4 members. Unless all of the members of the Veterans’ Home Commission agree otherwise, the secretary of the Commission shall give each member at least 7 days’ written notice of a meeting. If the President is unable to attend a meeting, the President may designate a Senator or an employee of the General Assembly to represent the President at the meeting. If the Speaker is unable to attend a meeting, the Speaker may designate a Delegate or an employee of the General Assembly to represent the Speaker at the meeting. If the Governor is unable to attend a meeting, the Governor may designate another individual to represent the Governor at the meeting. A member of the Veterans’ Home Commission: may not receive compensation; but is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

With the approval of the Secretary, the Veterans’ Home Commission may adopt procedures to: govern itself; and carry out the responsibilities of the Veterans’ Home Commission. The Commission: may not incur any expenses without the consent of the Department; and at each regular meeting of the Commission or more often as it directs, shall submit to the Department a report on any action that the Commission has taken since its last report. The Veterans’ Home Commission shall through the Department submit an annual report: to the Governor; and subject to § 2-1257 of this article, to the General Assembly. The annual report shall: describe the activities of the Commission; and include any recommendations for furthering the purposes of the Commission. As far as practicable, the Veterans’ Home Commission shall cooperate with persons and public agencies to carry out the purposes and goals of the Commission and Department.

The State is not obligated to provide capital or operating funds for the Veterans’ Home Commission but may appropriate money for the purposes and goals of the Commission.

In this Part IV of this subtitle, “Commission” means the War Memorial Commission.

There is a War Memorial Commission in the Department.

The Commission consists of 10 members. Of the 10 Commission members: 5 shall be appointed by the Secretary, with the approval of the Governor; and 5 shall be appointed by the Mayor of Baltimore City. Each member must be a Maryland war veteran. The term of a member is 5 years. The terms of a member are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 1984. At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

From among its members, the Commission may elect: a chair; a vice chair; and a secretary and a treasurer or a secretary–treasurer. The manner of election of officers and their terms of office shall be as the Commission determines.

A member of the Commission may not receive compensation. If the Commission approves the reimbursement and records the vote in the minutes, a member is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

The State and Baltimore City jointly shall hold title to the War Memorial Building and the memorial site.

The Commission may provide for management of the War Memorial Building as provided in this section. The Commission shall adopt regulations that provide for the management of the War Memorial Building in a manner that: permits the greatest possible use of the building by the people of the State and by patriotic organizations in the State; and to the extent possible, permits the use by the patriotic organizations without cost. The Commission shall enforce the regulations. The Commission may appoint a custodian and a janitor for the War Memorial Building. The Commission may use, for the maintenance and administration of the building, any funds that the General Assembly or the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore appropriate for those purposes.

In this part, “Program” means the Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program. There is a Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program in the Department. The purpose of the Program is to ensure that: veterans, service members, and their families are informed of the services, benefits, and assistance available to them from the State and federal government and community organizations; and general issues relating to veterans’, service members’, and their families’ needs are brought to the attention of the Governor and the General Assembly in order for them to be addressed.

The Secretary shall appoint a director for the Program. The director is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget. The director shall administer and coordinate the Program.

The Program shall actively help veterans, service members, and their dependents become aware of and access any service or benefit to which they are entitled including: tax benefits; health care benefits; disability benefits; and pension benefits. The Program, in collaboration with the Maryland Higher Education Commission, shall actively help veterans, service members, and their dependents become aware of and access education and training benefits to which they are entitled. The director of the Program shall: support veterans, service members, and their dependents through the service or benefit process; and refer veterans, service members, their dependents, and their survivors to the appropriate governmental unit for claim assistance.

For the purposes of reaching any veteran, service member, dependent of a veteran or service member, or survivor of a veteran or service member in need of assistance in obtaining services or benefits granted by the law, the director shall develop and implement a communications and outreach plan. In order to carry out the director’s responsibilities under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the director may: enter into contracts; and work with governmental units and community–based organizations, including the Maryland Department of Health, the Department of Aging, faith–based groups, veterans groups, senior centers, adult day care centers, institutions of higher education, and other entities the director considers appropriate. The director shall develop mechanisms for outreach to be disseminated by direct mail and through community–based veterans organizations, the Department, the Department of Human Services, the Maryland Department of Health, and any other State agency or unit the director considers appropriate. Communication mechanisms shall include: designing marketing materials describing the services provided by the Program; a regular electronic newsletter; brochures describing various benefits or any other issue or benefit of interest to veterans, service members, or their dependents; and other measures the director considers appropriate. The Department shall communicate welcome home information to veterans and service members returning to the State. The Department, in conjunction with the types of community–based organizations listed in subsection (a)(2) of this section, shall develop communication tools to assist in identifying veterans, service members, and dependents who may be eligible for benefits and programs offered by the Department. The Program shall: manage the Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program and Fund established under Part VIII of this subtitle; coordinate the responsibilities of veterans’ services specialists designated under § 9–944 of this subtitle; and manage Department media relations, web content, social media, internal and external communications, customer service training, and intergovernmental relations. The director shall serve, as necessary, as the Secretary’s designee to appropriate commissions, workgroups, and councils.

In this section, “specialist” means an employee designated by a governmental unit who is responsible for responding to and assisting veterans who are employed by the unit or who contact the unit for assistance. Each governmental unit shall: designate an employee of the unit, who to the extent practicable is a veteran, as a veterans’ services specialist for the unit and whose duties include the coordination of veterans’ services with the Department; provide the Department with any nonprotected or nonprivate information about services the unit provides to veterans; and post on the unit’s website: all services available for veterans from the unit; the contact information for the unit’s veterans’ services specialist; and a link to the Department with the contact information for the director of the Program in the Department. The veterans’ services specialist shall: coordinate the provision of veterans’ services available through the unit with the Department; and attend annual training that the Department provides concerning the coordination of veterans’ services. On request for services by a veteran, a governmental unit that does not provide services to veterans shall direct the veteran to contact the Department and provide the veteran with the Department contact information. The Department shall: coordinate a meeting each quarter, or as otherwise necessary, with governmental units to discuss and receive information concerning the implementation of the requirements of this section; and on or before January 15 each year, report on the implementation of the requirements of this section to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of this article, the General Assembly.

The Secretary shall submit a report by December 31 of each year to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of this article, the General Assembly, that includes: the number of: requests for help in obtaining benefits; public contacts made by the Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program; veterans enrolled in the United States Veterans Health Administration; and veterans receiving benefits; the average amount of disability and pension benefits received by qualified individuals in this State compared to individuals in other states; an account of the costs of operating the Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program; a status of the accomplishments for, efficacy of, efficiency of, and level of resources available for each of the following programs: cemetery; memorial; service; veterans homes; communications, outreach, and advocacy; Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program and Fund; and veterans’ services specialists; a general assessment of the status of veterans in the State; the estimated impact current operations are likely to have on the needs of veterans in the future; the status of federal veterans programs as they relate to Maryland veterans; a general assessment of communication methods utilized in support of the Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program; any other issues concerning veterans that the Secretary considers appropriate; and any other issues concerning service members, including issues uniquely pertaining to active service members that the Secretary considers appropriate.

In this part the following words have the meanings indicated. “College Collaboration” means the Maryland College Collaboration for Student Veterans, Memorandum of Understanding between the State and Maryland Institutions of Higher Education dated January 31, 2011. “Commission” means the Maryland College Collaboration for Student Veterans Commission.

There is a Maryland College Collaboration for Student Veterans Commission in the Department.

The Commission consists of the following members: the designee of the Secretary; the Chancellor of the University System of Maryland, or the Chancellor’s designee; the President of the Maryland Independent College and University Association, or the President’s designee; the Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, or the Executive Director’s designee; and one representative of any institution of higher education in the State that elects to participate, appointed by the President of the institution. The term of a member is 2 years. At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

The Commission shall elect annually a chair, a vice chair, and a secretary from among the members of the Commission.

The Commission shall meet at least four times each year. A member of the Commission: may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but may receive reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

The Commission shall: work to ensure the educational success of returning veterans, including their recruitment, successful transition into higher education, retention, and eventual graduation; facilitate the sharing of best practices among institutions of higher education and State agencies regarding academic transition programs and support services designed for returning veterans; work with institutions of higher education in the State to provide the following services to veterans, as set forth in the College Collaboration: awareness of veteran reintegration challenges; communication and coordination of available veteran services; a designated “one door” office that coordinates veteran services and supports; behavioral health services; financial aid and GI Bill support services; and peer support groups; publish an annual report and any other material the Commission considers necessary; and submit the annual report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of this article, the General Assembly.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Eligible family member” means a spouse or dependent of an eligible veteran. “Direct threat” has the meaning stated in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. “Eligible veteran” means a veteran who: is a resident of the State; or receives treatment or care from a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or U.S. Department of Defense medical facility in the State. “Fund” means the Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program Fund established under subsection (f) of this section. “Nonprofit training entity” means a corporation, a foundation, or any other legal entity that: is qualified under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; engages in the training of service dogs or support dogs for use by veterans; or uses trained therapy horses for interaction with veterans; and has been selected by the Department to provide services under this section. “Program” means the Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program established under subsection (b) of this section. “Program participant” means an eligible veteran or eligible family member who participates in the Program. “Service dog” means a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. “Successful Program participant” means a Program participant who successfully completes the training or therapy protocol specified by a nonprofit training entity. “Support dog” means a dog that is individually trained and that serves as an emotional support or therapy animal that a medical professional, within the medical professional’s scope of practice, has determined provides benefit for an individual with a sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. “Therapy horse” includes a horse determined appropriate for interactions with veterans by a stable licensed by the State that: is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH, Intl.) member center; or has Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) certified professionals who provide services to veterans. There is a Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program in the Department. The purposes of the Program are to: refer eligible veterans and eligible family members who inquire about participation in the Program to one or more nonprofit training entities; provide additional funding mechanisms to assist veterans and eligible family members participating in the Program; encourage successful Program participants to assist in outreach and referral of other eligible veterans and eligible family members who could benefit from participation in the Program; assist in the reduction of the Maryland veteran suicide rate; and identify potential capital projects and services to facilitate more services for veterans and eligible family members in the State. The Department shall select at least one nonprofit training entity to: implement a training or therapy protocol for the purposes of the Program that will teach each Program participant methodologies, strategies, and techniques for: partnering with service dogs or support dogs; or interacting with therapy horses; select qualified Program participants from those eligible veterans and eligible family members referred to the nonprofit entity under the Program; select an appropriate service dog, support dog, or therapy horse, as applicable, for each Program participant; facilitate each Program participant’s training or therapy using the nonprofit training entity’s training or therapy protocol; and unless the nonprofit training entity uses trained therapy horses, partner each successful Program participant with the service dog or support dog on the Program participant’s successful completion of the nonprofit training entity’s training protocol. To be eligible for selection under paragraph (1) of this subsection, a nonprofit entity must: be based in the State; serve the needs of the veteran population in the State; and generate its own revenue and reinvest the proceeds of that revenue in the growth and development of its programs. A nonprofit training entity may disqualify a Program participant from participation in the Program if the nonprofit training entity determines that the Program participant’s involvement in the Program: presents a danger to the Program participant’s mental or physical well–being; presents a direct threat to others; presents a direct threat to the mental or physical well–being of the service dog, support dog, or therapy horse; or does not meet the training requirement of the nonprofit training entity. A Program participant may discontinue involvement in the Program for any reason. There is a Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program Fund. The Department shall use revenue from the Fund to pay a nonprofit training entity. Revenue from the Fund may be used only to pay: a nonprofit training entity; and administrative costs of the Program. The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee, shall administer the Fund. The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund. The Fund consists of: revenue collected by the Department in the form of donations to the Program; money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund. The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested. Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the General Fund of the State. Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget. Money expended from the Fund is supplemental to and is not intended to take the place of funding that otherwise would be appropriated for the Program. For the purpose of implementing this section, the Department may accept gifts or grants for donation to the Fund. On or before October 1, 2018, and each October 1 thereafter, the Department shall post and maintain on its website a list containing the names of all persons who have donated to the Fund in the previous year and have authorized the Department to publish their names on its website. The Department shall adopt regulations to implement this section, including regulations establishing procedures for the Department to: promote the Program to eligible veterans and eligible family members through the Department’s outreach methods; refer eligible veterans and eligible family members to selected nonprofit entities; receive donations for the Fund through a link placed in a prominent location on the Department’s website; and use revenue from the Fund to pay selected nonprofit entities for services that are provided through the Program.