1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

   2. (2) “Early reader organization” means a nonprofit organization:

      1. (i) That is tax exempt under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and
      2. (ii) Whose mission is to distribute to children free, high-quality books designed to aid the development of reading skills.
   3. (3) “Program” means the Baltimore City Young Readers Program.
2. (b) There is a Baltimore City Young Readers Program in the State Library Agency.
3. (c) The purpose of the Program is to work with an early reader organization to distribute free, high-quality books to children in Baltimore City.

4. (d) The State Librarian shall:

   1. (1) Administer the Program; and
   2. (2) Carry out the Program in partnership with an early reader organization partner.
5. (e) For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $200,000 to the Program.

Added as Human Services § 8-1402 by Acts 2022, c. 446, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2022; Acts 2022, c. 447, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2022. Renumbered as Education § 23-110 and amended by Acts 2023, c. 649, §§ 2, 3, eff. Oct. 1, 2023; Acts 2023, c. 650, §§ 2, 3, eff. Oct. 1, 2023.