1. (a) In this section, “Fund” means the Black Bass Conservation Fund.
2. (b) There is a Black Bass Conservation Fund in the Department.
3. (c) The purpose of the Fund is to further black bass management.
4. (d) The Department shall administer the Fund.

5. (e)

   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.

6. (f) The Fund consists of:

   1. (1) Donations collected by the Department under § 1-403(f) of this article;
   2. (2) Money appropriated in the State budget to 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) The Department may use money in the Fund to:

   1. (1) Stock black bass;
   2. (2) Enhance aquatic habitats for black bass;
   3. (3) Support responsible black bass tournaments; and
   4. (4) Support scientific research related to black bass conservation.

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.

Added by Acts 2023, c. 556, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2023; Acts 2023, c. 557, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2023.