Ch. 351

1996 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(2) The amount of assistance to be paid under paragraph (1) of this
subsection shall be:

(i) Computed without regard to the income of the stepparent if the
total income of the stepparent does not exceed 100 percent of the official poverty level,
adjusted for family size, established under the federal Community Services Block Grant
Act; and

(ii) Reduced by 50 percent of the State eligibility standard for the
assistance unit if the total income of the stepparent is at least 100 percent, but not more
than 150 percent, of the official poverty level, adjusted for family size, established under
the federal community services block grant.

(m) The Secretary shall revise the schedule of program assistance to allow
ownership of an automobile with a maximum equity value of up to $5,000 without it
counting as an asset for purposes of AFDC and food stamp eligibility.

(n) The Secretary shall revise the schedule of program assistance to:

(1)     Permit recipients and their children to save up to $5,000;

(2)     Disregard the earned income of a dependent child who is:
(i) A student;

(ii) In a job training partnership act program; or

(iii) In a job opportunities and basic skills training program; and

(3)     Permit a dependent child over the age of 17 years, who is a full-time
student in secondary school or the equivalent, to be eligible for inclusion in the AFDC
grant if the education program is expected to be completed in the calendar year the child
turns 20 years of age.

(o) The Secretary shall establish a schedule of program assistance for a
one-time-only welfare avoidance grant of up to 3 months of AFDC cash benefits for
eligible applicants. These grants are intended to meet immediate needs so that a recipient
can avoid continued welfare assistance.

(p) (1) Except for a control group, the provisions of this subsection shall apply
to all AFDC recipients in the State.

(2) The Secretary shall revise the rules of eligibility with regard to minor
parents to include the following provisions:

(i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a minor
parent shall be required to live:

1.       With a parent, legal guardian, custodian, or other adult
relative who will be the protective payee of the minor parent; or

2.       In an adult supervised group living arrangement that shall
provide a protective payee; and

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