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

            (2)      "Assistance at public expense" means any assistance enumerated in § 8-503 of the Criminal Law Article.

            (3)      "Fraud" has the meaning stated in § 8-501 of the Criminal Law Article.

      (b)      Each applicant for or recipient of assistance at public expense shall read or have read to the applicant a statement of the conduct that constitutes fraud and shall sign an acknowledgment that the applicant understands that the penalties for fraud, as provided in § 8-503 of the Criminal Law Article, are restitution and possible imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.