(a) (1) In political subdivisions without a local administrator under the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program, the Department shall administer the State Program and issue vouchers and housing assistance payments to assist low-income households that are eligible for but are not currently receiving housing choice vouchers under the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program.

(2) In political subdivisions with a public housing agency-administrator under the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program, the public housing agency shall administer the State Program and issue vouchers and housing assistance payments to assist low-income households that are eligible for but are not currently receiving housing choice vouchers under the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, the State Program shall be administered in accordance with federal guidelines under the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program.