(b) There is a Notary Public Fund.

(c) The purpose of the Fund is to provide funding to support the actions of the Secretary of State in implementing, regulating, administering, and enforcing this title.

(d) The Secretary of State shall administer the Fund.

(e) (1) The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

(2) The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.

(f) The Fund consists of:

(1) revenue distributed to the Fund under §§ 18-103(e)(5)(ii) and 18-108(b)(3) of this subtitle;

(2) money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and

(3) any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.

(g) The Fund may be used only to cover the expenses, including administrative expenses, of the Office of the Secretary of State in carrying out the duties of the Secretary of State under this title.

(h) (1) The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.

(2) Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.

(i) Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.