§ 3A-313. Maryland Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2008.

   (a) Definitions. --

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

   (2) (i) "Payee" means any party who receives from the State an aggregate payment of $ 25,000 in a fiscal year.

      (ii) "Payee" does not include:

         1. a State employee with respect to the employee's compensation; or

         2. a State retiree with respect to the retiree's retirement allowance.

   (3) "Searchable website" means a website created in accordance with this section that displays and searches State payment data.

(b) Website established. -- On or before January 1, 2009, the Department shall develop and operate a single searchable website, accessible to the public at no cost through the Internet.

(c) Information to include State payment data. -- The searchable website shall contain State payment data, including:

   (1) the name of a payee receiving a payment;

   (2) the location of a payee by postal zip code;

   (3) the amount of a payment; and

   (4) the name of an agency making a payment.

(d) Capabilities of site. -- The searchable website shall allow the user to:

   (1) search data for fiscal year 2008 and each year thereafter; and

   (2) search by the following data fields:

      (i) a payee receiving a payment;

      (ii) an agency making a payment; and

      (iii) the zip code of a payee receiving a payment.

(e) Assistance from State agencies. -- State agencies shall provide appropriate assistance to the Secretary to ensure the existence and ongoing operation of the single website.

(f) Confidential information excluded. -- This section may not be construed to require the disclosure of information that is confidential under State or federal law.

(g) Short title. -- This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Maryland Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2008".

HISTORY: 2008, ch. 36, § 6; ch. 659; 2009, ch. 60.