1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
   2. (2) “Open-source” means material with either freely obtainable source code, a license for modification, or permission for free distribution.
   3. (3) “Open-source phonics organization” means any nonprofit organization, institution of higher education, or public library that produces or distributes free, open-source phonics materials in the State.
   4. (4) “Phonics” has the meaning stated in § 4-136 of this article.
   5. (5) “Program” means the Open-Source Phonics Matching Grant Program.
2. (b) There is an Open-Source Phonics Matching Grant Program in the Department.
3. (c) The purpose of the Program is to provide matching funds to open-source phonics organizations to provide free, open-source phonics learning materials to be used by adults to tutor students in the State.
4. (d) The Department shall administer the Program.

5. (e)

   1. (1) An open-source phonics organization may submit an application for a grant on the form that the Department requires.

   2. (2) An application for a grant shall include a plan to ensure that the open-source phonics organization is able to provide free, open-source phonics learning materials that:

      1. (i) Are consistent with best practices in literacy education, including the science of reading; and
      2. (ii) Enable adults to tutor students in the State.
   3. (3) The Department shall disburse grants to open-source phonics organizations.
6. (f) Periodically, the Department shall review the open-source phonics learning materials provided under this section to ensure the materials are consistent with best practices in literacy education, including the science of reading.

7. (g) The Department shall:

   1. (1) On or before December 1, 2025, and every other year thereafter, report to the General Assembly on the effectiveness of the Program in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article; and
   2. (2) Collect statistics and other information necessary for this purpose.
8. (h) For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $150,000 to the Program.

Added by Acts 2024, c. 270, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024.