§8–523.

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

        (2)    “Housing agency” means an agency established to administer a housing assistance program under the Housing and Community Development Article.

        (3)    “Housing assistance” means financial assistance, as defined in § 1-101 of the Housing and Community Development Article, offered for the purpose of obtaining housing based on need under a program administered by a housing agency and financed wholly or partially by federal, State, or local funds.

    (b)    A person may not knowingly make a false statement of a material fact for the purpose of influencing a housing agency regarding:

        (1)    an application for housing assistance; or

        (2)    an action affecting housing assistance already provided.

    (c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.