§7–1506.    ** CONTINGENCY – NOT IN EFFECT – CHAPTERS 6 AND 13 OF THE 2025 SPECIAL SESSION **

    (a)    There is a Maryland Disability Service Animal Program Fund.

    (b)    The purpose of the Fund is to:

        (1)    pay a nonprofit training entity; and

        (2)    cover the costs of administering the Program.

    (c)    The Secretary shall administer the Fund.

    (d)    (1)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

        (2)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.

    (e)    (1)    The Fund consists of:

            (i)    revenue collected by the Department in the form of donations to the Program;

            (ii)    money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and

            (iii)    any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.

        (2)    For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $25,000 to the Fund.

        (3)    Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.

        (4)    Money expended from the Fund is supplemental to and is not intended to take the place of funding that otherwise would be appropriated for the Program.

    (f)    The Fund may be used only to pay:

        (1)    a nonprofit training entity; and

        (2)    administrative costs of the Program.

    (g)    (1)    The State Treasurer shall invest and reinvest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.

        (2)    Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the General Fund of the State.

    (h)    For the purpose of implementing this section, the Department may accept gifts or grants for donation to the Fund.