Section 7-135 - [Effective 10/1/2024] Open-Source Phonics Matching Grant Program(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.(2) "Open-source " means material with either freely obtainable source code, a license for modification, or permission for free distribution.(3) "Open-source phonics organization" means any nonprofit organization, institution of higher education,or public library that produces or distributes free, open-source phonics materials in the State.(4) "Phonics " has the meaning stated in § 4-136 of this article.(5) "Program " means the open-source Phonics Matching Grant Program.(b) There is an Open-Source Phonics Matching Grant Program in the Department.(c) The purpose of the Program is to provide matching funds to open-source phonics organizations to provide free, open-source phonics learning materials to be used by adults to tutor students in the State.(d) The Department shall administer the Program.(e)(1) An open-source phonics organization may submit an application for a grant on the form that the Department requires.(2) An application for a grant shall include a plan to ensure that the open-source phonics organization is able to provide free, open-source phonics learning materials that: (i) Are consistent with best practices in literacy education, including the science of reading; and(ii) Enable adults to tutor students in the State.(3) The Department shall disburse grants to open-source phonics organizations.(f) Periodically, the Department shall review the open-source phonics learning materials provided under this section to ensure the materials are consistent with best practices in literacy education, including the science of reading.(g) The Department shall: (1) On or before December 1, 2025, and every other year thereafter, report to the General Assembly on the effectiveness of the Program in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article; and(2) Collect statistics and other information necessary for this purpose.(h) For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $150,000 to the Program.Added by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 270,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2024.