§ 7-319

(a) In this section, “low–emissions housing” means housing that is engineered to or uses measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

(b) There is a Green and Healthy Task Force.

(c) The Task Force consists of the following members:

(1) two members of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;

(2) two members of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

(3) the Secretary of Housing and Community Development, or the Secretary’s designee;

(4) the Secretary of Human Services, or the Secretary’s designee;

(5) the Director of the Maryland Energy Administration, or the Director’s designee;

(6) one representative of the Office of People’s Counsel; and

(7) as appointed by the chair of the Task Force:

(i) one representative of the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust;

(ii) one representative of the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative;

(iii) one representative of Maryland Energy Efficiency Advocates;

(iv) one member who is an expert in public health;

(v) one member from a community concerned with environmental justice;

(vi) one member who owns or develops affordable housing;

(vii) one member who has received assistance from a low–income program that delivers energy efficiency measures; and

(viii) other members as determined by the chair of the Task Force.

(d) The Secretary of Housing and Community Development, or the Secretary’s designee, shall serve as chair of the Task Force.

(e) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall provide staff for the Task Force.

(f) A member of the Task Force:

(1) may not receive compensation as a member of the Task Force; but

(2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

(g) The Task Force shall:

(1) beginning July 1, 2023, meet quarterly for a period of 3 years;

(2) advance the alignment, branding, and coordination of resources to more effectively deliver green and healthy housing for low–income households in the State;

(3) examine the public and private resources needed to address the housing needs of low–income communities;

(4) develop policy and statutory recommendations to eliminate barriers to low–income households achieving healthy, energy–efficient, affordable, and low–emissions housing; and

(5) engage with interested parties and collaborate with other entities that can help advance the goals of the Task Force, including experts in the field of healthy, energy–efficient, and low–emissions housing.

(h) On or before July 1, 2024, and each July 1 through 2027, the Task Force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Secretary of Health, the Secretary of the Environment, the Commission, the Governor, and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.