§ 8-523. Housing assistance -- Knowingly making false statement

   (a) Definitions. --

   (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

   (2) "Housing agency" means an agency established to administer a housing assistance program under the Housing and Community Development Article.

   (3) "Housing assistance" means financial assistance, as defined in § 1-101 of the Housing and Community Development Article, offered for the purpose of obtaining housing based on need under a program administered by a housing agency and financed wholly or partially by federal, State, or local funds.

(b) Prohibited. -- A person may not knowingly make a false statement of a material fact for the purpose of influencing a housing agency regarding:

   (1) an application for housing assistance; or

   (2) an action affecting housing assistance already provided.

(c) Penalty. -- A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $ 5,000 or both.

HISTORY: 2002, ch. 19, § 10; ch. 556; 2003, ch. 21, § 1; 2005, ch. 44, § 1; 2006, ch. 64.