1. (a) There is a Maryland New Start Microloan Program Fund.
2. (b) The purpose of the Fund is to provide loans to covered individuals in accordance with § 5-2203 of this subtitle.
3. (c) The Secretary shall administer the Fund.

4. (d)

   1. (1) The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
   2. (2) The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.

5. (e) The Fund consists of:

   1. (1) money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;
   2. (2) repayments of loans made through the Program;
   3. (3) any interest earnings of the Fund; and
   4. (4) any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.

6. (f)

   1. (1) The Fund may be used only for:

      1. (i) administrative costs of the Program; and
      2. (ii) the issuance of loans under § 5-2203 of this subtitle.
   2. (2) During each fiscal year, the Department may not utilize more than 10% of the money appropriated to the Fund for administrative costs of this subtitle.
7. (g) In each of fiscal years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $300,000 to the Fund.

8. (h)

   1. (1) The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.
   2. (2) Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.
9. (i) Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.

Added by Acts 2022, c. 485, § 1, eff. July 1, 2022. Amended by by Acts 2022, c. 135, § 5.