Sec. 01.01.2003.31. Access to Assistance and Benefits for Maryland Indians

A. To the extent permitted by existing law, the State shall take reasonable steps to assist American Indian groups and members of those groups that identify themselves as American Indian and as citizens of the State in securing benefits and assistance available under State programs that benefit American Indians.

B. The Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs shall assist the State in identifying American Indian groups in the State that may benefit from State and Federal government programs, and shall inform those American Indian groups and their members that assistance or benefits may be available to them under certain government programs.

C. State agencies shall not prohibit American Indian groups and members of those groups who identify themselves as American Indian and as citizens of this State from identifying their heritage as American Indian on any State forms requiring or permitting identification of racial or ethnic identity, including forms for State vital records, State drivers' license and State identification card applications.

D. Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed as recognition by the State of a group's status as a Maryland Indian tribe, band, clan, or group.

Effective date: September 24, 3002 (30:21 Md. R. 1518)