Md. Code, State Government § 2–1501

(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.