Maryland Code, HUMAN SERVICES 7-1007

Obligation: An order placed, contract awarded, service received, or similar transaction during a given period that will require payments during the same or a future period.
state: means :

(1) a state, possession, territory, or commonwealth of the United States; or

(2) the District of Columbia. See

(a) A debt, a claim, an obligation, or a liability of the Council is not:

(1) a debt, a claim, an obligation, or a liability of the State; or

(2) a pledge of the credit of the State.

(b) The Council is exempt from State and local taxes.