§ 9-2416

(a) There is a Sign Language Interpreters Fund.

(b) The Board shall set by regulation reasonable fees for the issuance and renewal of licenses and other services.

(c) The Board shall publish in its rules and regulations the fee schedule set by the Board.

(d) (1) The Board shall pay all fees collected under this part to the Comptroller.

(2) The Comptroller shall distribute the fees to the Fund.

(e) The Fund shall be used exclusively to cover the actual documented direct and indirect costs of fulfilling the statutory and regulatory duties of the Board as provided by the provisions of this part, including:

(1) the development of programs that will assist in the licensure of marginalized interpreters, including:

(i) Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Color (BIPOC) signers;

(ii) heritage signers; and

(iii) deaf individuals;

(2) the development of mentorship programs for individuals who provide sign language interpretation services; and

(3) applicants experiencing financial hardship in the payment of licensing fees.

(f) The Director shall administer the Fund.

(g) (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 separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.

(h) The Fund consists of:

(1) revenue distributed to the Fund under subsection (b) of this section;

(2) money appropriated in the State budget for the Fund; and

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

(i) (1) The State Treasurer shall invest 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.

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