1. (a)

   1. (1) Regardless of whether a county or municipality has established a housing authority under the Housing Authorities Law in Division II of the Housing and Community Development Article, the powers conferred by this section:

      1. (i) are in addition to all other powers of a county or municipality; and
      2. (ii) may be exercised directly by a county or municipality or as otherwise provided by the governing body of the county or municipality.
   2. (2) This section does not affect any powers conferred on a housing authority, county, or municipality by the Housing Authorities Law in Division II of the Housing and Community Development Article.

2. (b) A county or municipality may participate in federal lower-income housing assistance programs and for this purpose may:

   1. (1) enter into contracts with the United States or a federal agency;
   2. (2) accept and expend assistance payments related to existing, newly constructed, or substantially rehabilitated housing;
   3. (3) act as a public housing agency as defined in federal law; and
   4. (4) do all things necessary or convenient to participate in the program.

Added by Acts 2013, c. 119, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2013.