2220                                          LAWS OF MARYLAND                                      Ch. 630

(a)  In addition to the specific powers granted and duties
imposed by this subtitle, the Department has the powers and
duties set forth in this section.

(b)  The Department shall:

(1)  Manage and supervise the program; and

(2)  Carry out the program in a manner that:

(i) Serves all of the areas of this State; and

(ii) Avoids creating or aggravating low-income
economic concentrations that adversely affect communities.

(c)  The Department shall:

(1)  Adopt policies to insure that loans are made only
to:

(I)   [individuals] INDIVIDUALS who cannot
otherwise finance the purchase of a home; AND

(II)  GROUP HOME SPONSORS WHO CANNOT OTHERWISE
FINANCE THE PURCHASE AND MODIFICATION OF A GROUP HOME;

(2)  Research and observe the mortgage market and
housing conditions in this State; and

(3)  Use federal programs that complement or
facilitate carrying out the program.

(d)  (1) The Department shall set:

(i) Reasonable minimum requirements of
creditworthiness; and

(ii) Upper limits on adjusted annual income.

(2) The limits on adjusted annual income may not
exceed, but may be less than, median annual family income for the
county or region where the home to be financed is located.

(e)  The Department may adopt rules and regulations to carry
out the program in conformance with statutory requirements.

(f)  Subject to subsection (b) of this section and in
accordance with the procedures required by law for State
contracts, the Department may contract for services relating to
the program.

(g)  The Department may contract with private mortgage
servicers to perform on behalf of the Department functions
ordinarily performed by private mortgage servicers, including: