(a) In this section, “Fund” means the Legal Representation Fund for Title IX Proceedings.
(b) There is a Legal Representation Fund for Title IX Proceedings.
(c) The purpose of the Fund is to provide funds for reasonable costs and attorney’s fees for students provided with counsel under § 11–601 of this subtitle.
(d) The Commission shall administer the Fund.
(e) (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.
(f) The Fund consists of:
(1) Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;
(2) Any investment earnings of the Fund; and
(3) Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.
(g) The Fund may be used only to pay for reasonable costs and attorney’s fees for students provided with counsel under § 11–601 of this subtitle.
(h) (1) The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.
(2) Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.
(i) Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.
(j) Beginning in fiscal year 2021, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $250,000 to the Fund.