Maryland Department of Human Resources Section 145

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

            (2)      "Department" means the Department of Human Resources.

            (3)      "Program" means the Citizenship Promotion Program.

            (4)      "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Department of Human Resources.

      (b)      The Department of Human Resources shall adopt regulations and policies to establish a Citizenship Promotion Program.

      (c)      All executive departments and agencies of the State shall cooperate with the Department to implement the regulations and policies of the Program.

      (d)      The purposes of the Program are:

            (1)      To encourage and assist eligible residents to become naturalized citizens of the United States and active participants in the civic life of Maryland;

            (2)      To increase the number and proportion of eligible foreign-born residents who become citizens of the United States; and

            (3)      To encourage foreign-born residents who become citizens to be involved in our democratic institutions.

      (e)      (1)      The Secretary may secure funding for the Program from the State budget.

            (2)      Funding for the Program may not exceed $100,000 of the annual State budget.

      (f)      In accordance with the State budget, the Program shall:

            (1)      Encourage eligible residents to learn English;

            (2)      Encourage eligible residents to become naturalized citizens of the United States;

            (3)      Inform eligible residents about the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the process of naturalization, and the availability of citizenship services;

            (4)      Make available or increase the availability of instruction in the following subjects:

                  (i)      English as a second language;

                  (ii)      United States history; and

                  (iii)      Citizenship preparation;

            (5)      Make available or increase the availability of assistance in completing applications for naturalization;

            (6)      Establish an effective connection to nonpartisan voter registration efforts;

            (7)      Encourage the involvement of new citizens in democratic institutions; and

            (8)      Work with the federal, State, and local agencies and organizations to respond to the need for citizenship services in the State.

      (g)      The Department shall submit an annual report to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly regarding the status and effectiveness of the Program established under this subtitle.

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