§10–526.

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

        (2)    “Beginner waterman” means an individual who has:

            (i)    a tidal fish license under § 4–701 of the Natural Resources Article; and

            (ii)    at least 2 years and not more than 10 years of experience in commercial seafood harvesting.

        (3)    “Generational waterman” means an individual who:

            (i)    has a tidal fish license under § 4–701 of the Natural Resources Article; and

            (ii)    can demonstrate, through the submission of the two most recent federal income tax returns and other supporting documents, that at least 50% of the individual’s annual income is derived from commercial seafood harvesting.

        (4)    “Program” means the Maryland Watermen’s Microloan Program.

        (5)    “Qualified commercial fisherman” includes:

            (i)    a beginner waterman; and

            (ii)    a generational waterman.

    (b)    There is a Maryland Watermen’s Microloan Program in the Corporation.

    (c)    The purpose of the Program is to provide loans to qualified commercial fishermen to continue commercial operations in the State, including for purchasing:

        (1)    boats;

        (2)    mechanical equipment;

        (3)    fishing gear;

        (4)    fishing quota; and

        (5)    any other item used in commercial seafood harvesting.

    (d)    The Corporation shall implement and administer the Program in accordance with this section.

    (e)    (1)    Through June 30, 2025, only generational watermen are eligible to receive a loan under the Program.

        (2)    Starting July 1, 2025, the following persons are eligible to receive a loan under the Program:

            (i)    generational watermen;

            (ii)    beginner watermen; and

            (iii)    seafood processing businesses.

    (f)    (1)    For loans made under the Program, the Corporation shall determine:

            (i)    the eligibility of an applicant;

            (ii)    the amount of loan to be given to a borrower;

            (iii)    the terms and conditions of a loan contract; and

            (iv)    the amount of debt forgiveness that may be provided to a borrower for loan repayment performance.

        (2)    A loan made under the Program shall be at least $7,000 and not more than $15,000.

        (3)    A borrower under the Program may not have more than one outstanding loan from the Program during any period of time.

    (g)    (1)    For each of fiscal years 2024 through 2026, the Governor shall include in the annual State budget bill an appropriation of $500,000 to the Program.

        (2)    The appropriation in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be distributed to a special fund, to be used only to:

            (i)    make loans under the Program; and

            (ii)    pay the costs necessary to administer and operate the Program.