Maryland § 15.5-102
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 15.5-102, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15.5-102.
(a) There is a Language Assistance Program.
(b) A local board shall participate in the Program if the State Board determines in accordance with subsection (c) of this section that there is a significant need for language assistance to voters in the county in a language other than English.
(c) The State Board shall determine not later than February 1 of the year of the election that a significant need for language assistance to voters exists in a county if, based on the best available data, including information from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey or data of comparable quality collected by a public office:
(1) more than 2% of the citizen voting age population of the county:
(i) use a single shared language other than English; and
(ii) have limited English proficiency; or
(2) more than 4,000 individuals of the citizen voting age population of the county use a single shared language other than English and have limited English proficiency.
(d) The State Board shall determine that each language other than English that is used by at least the number of individuals specified in subsection (c) of this section is a designated language.
(e) (1) The State Board shall publish and maintain on its website a list of:
(i) each local board that is required to provide language assistance in a language other than English; and
(ii) each designated language in which the language assistance is required to be provided by the local board.
(2) The State Board shall update the information published and maintained under paragraph (1) of this subsection at least every 2 years.
(f) The State Administrator shall promptly notify each local board and the chief financial officer of the county included on this list under subsection (e) of this section of the requirements of this title.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 15.5-102
What does Maryland Code § 15.5-102 cover?
Section 15.5-102 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maryland § 15.5-102?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 15.5-102" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 15.5-102 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.