Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 1 - Administration and Operations
Section 2-112 - State Tax Sale Ombudsman

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
        (2)    “Homeowner” has the meaning stated in § 9–105 of this article.
        (3)    “Tax” has the meaning stated in § 14–801 of this article.
    (b)    There is a State Tax Sale Ombudsman in the Department.
    (c)    The Ombudsman:
        (1)    shall be appointed by the Director;
        (2)    shall be in the management service of the State Personnel Management System; and
        (3)    may be removed from office only after a hearing before the Department and a finding of incompetency or other good cause.
    (d)    The Ombudsman shall:
        (1)    assist homeowners to understand the process for collection of delinquent taxes;
        (2)    actively assist homeowners to apply for tax credits, discount programs, and other public benefits that may assist the homeowners to pay delinquent taxes and improve their financial situation;
        (3)    refer homeowners to legal services, housing counseling, and other social services that may assist homeowners to pay delinquent taxes and improve their financial situation;
        (4)    maintain a website that functions as a clearinghouse for information concerning:
            (i)    the process for collection of delinquent taxes; and
            (ii)    services and programs that are available to assist homeowners to pay delinquent taxes and improve their financial situation; and
        (5)    maintain a toll–free telephone number that a homeowner may call to obtain individualized personal assistance with delinquent taxes.
    (e)    A county may, by law, establish a County Tax Sale Ombudsman to fulfill all the responsibilities of the State Tax Sale Ombudsman under subsection (d) of this section with respect to homeowners within the county.