Maryland Department of Human Resources Section 55

      (a)      In this section, "demonstration site" means a site selected by the Secretary, in consultation with the director of the local department of social services.

      (b)      The Secretary may establish a FIP demonstration site in at least one, but not exceeding six, jurisdiction.

      (c)      Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the director of the local department of social services shall appoint a director of the FIP established in a demonstration site who shall report directly to the director of the local department.

      (d)      Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall have sole authority to approve the demonstration site plans that will govern FIP functions in a demonstration site, including the authority to approve demonstration site plans that will:

            (1)      Assist families on welfare that have an employable parent toward a lasting exit from temporary cash assistance;

            (2)      Ensure that individuals and families receive appropriate benefits;

            (3)      Reduce errors in the administration of FIP;

            (4)      Place temporary cash assistance recipients in employment in which their earnings will likely increase; and

            (5)      Improve the types of employment and employment retention rates of existing and former welfare recipients.

      (e)      The director of the local unit shall:

            (1)      Develop a demonstration site plan for submittal to the Secretary for approval which will detail its:

                  (i)      Programmatic structure, including any programmatic changes;

                  (ii)      Organizational structure, including any organizational changes;

                  (iii)      Pay incentive structure and criteria for the award of pay incentives;

                  (iv)      Measurable performance criteria and how these relate to the incentive structure; and

                  (v)      Target performance criteria;

            (2)      Implement the plan as approved;

            (3)      Have the proper operation of the demonstration and the achievement of the target performance criteria be an element of that local unit director's performance evaluation; and

            (4)      Report back to the Department of Human Resources on the progress achieved in the demonstration site.

      (f)      The Secretary shall establish a performance incentive program to provide pay incentives for employees in a demonstration site.

      (g)      The Secretary's powers under this section shall be given a liberal construction.