§3–1801.

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

    (b)    “Certify” means to:

        (1)    complete the employer sections of the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program form for a current or former employee; or

        (2)    share data directly with the U.S. Department of Education about a current or former employee that corresponds to the information required on the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program form.

    (c)    “Employee” means an individual who is or was employed by a public service employer.

    (d)    “Full–time” has the meaning stated in 34 C.F.R. § 685.219.

    (e)    “Institution of higher education” has the meaning stated in § 10–101 of the Education Article.

    (f)    “Program” means the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program established under 20 U.S.C. § 1087e(m).

    (g)    (1)    “Public service employer” means an employer in the State who is designated as a qualifying employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, including:

            (i)    a State or local government employer, including:

                1.    an office or a department;

                2.    an independent agency;

                3.    a local school system;

                4.    a public institution of higher education;

                5.    a public library system; and

                6.    an authority or other body; and

            (ii)    an employer designated as a tax–exempt organization under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

        (2)    “Public service employer” does not include a federal or tribal nation government organization, agency, or governmental entity.

    (h)    “Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program form” means the form used by the U.S. Department of Education to:

        (1)    certify an individual’s current or former employment with a public service employer; and

        (2)    determine an individual’s eligibility for the purposes of the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

    (i)    “Student Loan Ombudsman” has the meaning stated in § 2–104.1 of the Financial Institutions Article.