1. (a) In this section, “Fund” means the Digital Inclusion Fund.
2. (b) There is a Digital Inclusion Fund.
3. (c) The purpose of the Fund is to provide a competitive grant program to support capacity building for local governments and nonprofit organizations seeking to close the digital divide in Maryland by furthering access to high-speed Internet and to implement programs to expand digital literacy.

4. (d)

   1. (1) The Office shall administer the Fund.

   2. (2) The Office shall work with other offices within the Department and the Department of Commerce to adopt regulations specifying:

      1. (i) procedures for applying for financial assistance; and
      2. (ii) priorities for allocating, selecting, and distributing financial assistance from the Fund.

5. (e)

   1. (1) The Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing special 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.

6. (f) The Fund consists of:

   1. (1) money appropriated by the State to the Fund;
   2. (2) financial assistance provided to the State by the federal government for the Fund;
   3. (3) interest earnings; and
   4. (4) any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.

7. (g)

   1. (1) The Fund may be used only to distribute grants not to exceed $500,000 to local governments and nonprofit corporations that are working to further the goals of the Office, including:

      1. (i) providing training to residents in the use of digital tools;
      2. (ii) enhancing the capacity of communities to access government services, participate in civic matters, and pursue educational opportunities;
      3. (iii) researching populations with low adoption rates for home Internet and computers; and
      4. (iv) other digital inclusion or equity goals identified in the statewide plan.
   2. (2) Money in the Fund may not be used for increasing broadband Internet infrastructure.

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 2021, c. 74, § 1, eff. April 13, 2021.