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

(2)    “Homeowner” has the meaning stated in § 9–105 of this article.

(3)    “Tax” has the meaning stated in § 14–801 of this article.

(b)    There is a State Tax Sale Ombudsman in the Department.

(c)    The Ombudsman:

(1)    shall be appointed by the Director;

(2)    shall be in the management service of the State Personnel Management System; and

(3)    may be removed from office only after a hearing before the Department and a finding of incompetency or other good cause.

(d)    The Ombudsman shall:

(1)    assist homeowners to understand the process for collection of delinquent taxes;

(2)    actively assist homeowners to apply for tax credits, discount programs, and other public benefits that may assist the homeowners to pay delinquent taxes and improve their financial situation;

(3)    refer homeowners to legal services, housing counseling, and other social services that may assist homeowners to pay delinquent taxes and improve their financial situation;

(4)    maintain a website that functions as a clearinghouse for information concerning:

(i)    the process for collection of delinquent taxes; and

(ii)    services and programs that are available to assist homeowners to pay delinquent taxes and improve their financial situation; and

(5)    maintain a toll–free telephone number that a homeowner may call to obtain individualized personal assistance with delinquent taxes.

(e)    A county may, by law, establish a County Tax Sale Ombudsman to fulfill all the responsibilities of the State Tax Sale Ombudsman under subsection (d) of this section with respect to homeowners within the county.