(a) In this Part I of this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) 'Bill' includes a joint resolution. (c) 'Mandate' means a directive in a bill requiring a local government unit to perform a task or assume a responsibility that has a discernible fiscal impact on the local government unit. (d) 'Mandated appropriation' means a requirement in a bill that the Governor provide a certain level of funding in the annual budget bill for a specific program in the State.
Maryland Legal Code