MD HB801

Establishes a 3-year pilot program (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028) creating a statewide network of Financial Empowerment Centers administered by the Office of the Comptroller

Centers provide free one-on-one financial counseling and coaching services covering savings, debt reduction, banking access, and credit score improvement

Services must be available in English, Spanish, and any other languages required by the Office

Financial counselors must complete training meeting or exceeding standards developed by the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund

Governor must include appropriations in the annual budget for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to cover program costs