[Adopted 7-9-2024 by Bill No. 2024-12]
In this article, the following words have the meanings indicated:
CANNABIS
Has the meaning stated in § 1-101 of the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article of the Maryland Code, as amended.
COUNTY REINVESTMENT FUNDS
Monies disbursed to the County from the State of Maryland Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund.
DEPARTMENT
The Charles County Department Fiscal & Administrative Services.
DIRECTOR
The director of the department, or a designee of the director.
DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED AREA
Has the meaning stated in § 36-101 of the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article of the Maryland Code, as amended.
STATE FUND OR FUND
The Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund of the State of Maryland.
A. 
In accordance with § 1-322 of the Alcohol Beverages and Cannabis Article of the Maryland Code, disbursements of the state fund to the County shall support community-based organizations that serve communities determined by the State of Maryland Office of Social Equity, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, to have been the most impacted by disproportionate enforcement of the cannabis prohibition before July 1, 2022.
A. 
The County shall use the County reinvestment funds solely for:
(1) 
Community-based initiatives intended to benefit low-income communities;
(2) 
Community-based initiatives that serve disproportionately impacted areas;
(3) 
Any other use permitted by § 1-322 of the Alcohol Beverages and Cannabis Article of the Maryland Code, as amended; and
(4) 
Related administrative expenses.
B. 
County reinvestment funds may not be expended for law enforcement agencies or activities.
C. 
County reinvestment funds are supplemental to and may not supplant funding that otherwise would be appropriated for preexisting County programs.
D. 
The Board of County Commissioners shall approve the use of the County reinvestment funds annually before expenditure of funds may occur, following a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed use. The public hearing may be held in conjunction with the annual budget public hearing or separately, as determined by the Board of County Commissioners.