(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2)    “Community direct service worker” means an employee of a community provider that provides treatment or services to developmentally disabled individuals.

(3)    “Community provider” means a community–based agency or program funded by the Administration to serve individuals with developmental disabilities.

(4)    “Rate” means the reimbursement rate paid by the Department to a community provider from the State General Fund, Maryland Medical Assistance Program funds, other State or federal funds, or a combination of funds.

(b)    Notwithstanding the provisions of this title or any other provision of law, the Department shall reimburse community providers as provided in this section.

(c)    Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the Department shall increase the rate of reimbursement for community services providers each fiscal year by the amount of rate increase included in the State budget for that fiscal year.

(d)    (1)    The Governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2019 shall include a 3.5% rate increase for community service providers over the funding provided in the legislative appropriation for Object 08 Contractual Services in Program M00M01.02 Community Services for fiscal year 2018.

(2)    The Governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2021 shall include a 4% rate increase for community service providers over the funding provided in the legislative appropriation for Object 08 Contractual Services in Program M00M01.02 Community Services for fiscal year 2020.

(3)    The Governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2022 shall include a 4% rate increase for community service providers over the funding provided in the legislative appropriation for Object 08 Contractual Services in Program M00M01.02 Community Services for fiscal year 2021.

(4)    The Governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2023 shall include a 4% rate increase for community service providers over the funding provided in the legislative appropriation for Object 08 Contractual Services in Program M00M01.02 Community Services for fiscal year 2022.

(5)    The Governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2024 shall include a 4% rate increase for community service providers over the funding provided in the legislative appropriation for Object 08 Contractual Services in Program M00M01.02 Community Services for fiscal year 2023.

(6)    The Governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 shall include a 4% rate increase for community service providers over the funding provided in the legislative appropriation for Object 08 Contractual Services in Program M00M01.02 Community Services for fiscal year 2024.

(7)    The Governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 shall include a 4% rate increase for community service providers over the funding provided in the legislative appropriation for Object 08 Contractual Services in Program M00M01.02 Community Services for fiscal year 2025.

(e)    The Governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2016 and thereafter for community service providers shall be presented in the same manner, including object and program information, as provided for in the fiscal year 2015 budget.

(f)    A portion of the funds in subsection (e) of this section may be allocated to address the impact of an increase in the State minimum wage on wages and benefits of direct support workers employed by community providers licensed by the Developmental Disabilities Administration.