Economic Development (GEC) — Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Subtitle 1. Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-101 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 1. Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board
§ 3–101LinkCopy Citation
In this subtitle, “Board” means the Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-102 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 1. Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board
§ 3–102LinkCopy Citation
To support manufacturing in Maryland, it is the policy of the State to follow these seven principles:
(1)
the State must make a long-term institutional commitment to improving the competitiveness of existing and emerging manufacturers;
(2)
the State’s support for manufacturing must be industry-driven, with governmental and educational efforts focused on priorities set by businesses;
(3)
to have a noticeable impact on the State and regional economies, the State’s efforts to support manufacturing must be organized in ways that address the level of need;
(4)
the State’s support of manufacturing must be held accountable to measurable outcomes that result from the State’s business assistance activities;
(5)
to be competitive, all manufacturers must deploy the latest advances in technology;
(6)
to develop a competitive manufacturing base, the State should target its limited resources to those key manufacturing industries that have a strong presence or healthy growth prospects; and
(7)
the State’s business assistance services for existing and emerging manufacturers must be:
(i)
comprehensive, ranging across marketing, technology, financing, job training, and other needs of manufacturing; and
(ii)
readily available across all regions of the State.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-103 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 1. Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board
§ 3–103LinkCopy Citation
There is a Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board in the Department.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-104 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 1. Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board
§ 3–104LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
The Board consists of:
(i)
one member appointed by the President of the Senate of Maryland;
(ii)
one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates;
(iii)
the Secretary or the designee of the Secretary; and
(iv)
the following members appointed by the Secretary with the approval of the Governor:
(1)
one representative of an educational institution in the State;
(2)
two representatives of organized labor;
(3)
10 representatives of manufacturing enterprises; and
(4)
one representative of business organizations.
(2)
The members appointed under paragraph (1)(iv) of this subsection shall reflect the racial and gender diversity of the population of the State.
(3)
The members appointed under paragraph (1)(iv)3 of this subsection should generally reflect representation from:
(i)
varied geographic regions of the State;
(ii)
varied sectors of manufacturing, balancing technology–related and traditional manufacturing industries; and
(iii)
the mix of manufacturing enterprises in the State, including those that employ 500 or more employees and those that employ fewer than 500 employees.
(b)
(1)
The term of a member appointed under subsection (a)(1)(iv) of this section is 3 years and begins on July 1.
(2)
The terms of the members appointed under subsection (a)(1)(iv) are staggered as required by the terms provided for the members of the Board on October 1, 2008.
(3)
A member may be reappointed, but after serving two consecutive 3–year terms, a member may not be reappointed until at least 1 year after the end of the member’s previous tenure.
(4)
(i)
A vacancy shall be filled immediately for the remainder of the unexpired portion of a term.
(ii)
At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor has been appointed.
(5)
(i)
A member appointed by the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House serves at the pleasure of the appointing officer.
(ii)
A member appointed under subsection (a)(1)(iv) of this section may be removed at any time by the Secretary, with or without cause.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-105 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 1. Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board
§ 3–105LinkCopy Citation
The Secretary shall designate a chair from among the private sector members of the Board.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-106 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 1. Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board
§ 3–106LinkCopy Citation
The Board shall meet at least 4 times each year.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-107 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 1. Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board
§ 3–107LinkCopy Citation
A member of the Board who is a member of the General Assembly may not vote on a matter before the Board that relates to the exercise of a sovereign power of the State.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-108 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 1. Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board
§ 3–108LinkCopy Citation
The Board shall advise the Secretary on the best methods to implement the policy directives of the action plan for manufacturing competitiveness in the State, including:
(1)
encouraging the development of new manufacturing enterprises and the expansion and retention of existing manufacturing enterprises;
(2)
encouraging and facilitating training and education of individuals for manufacturing jobs;
(3)
producing a climate conducive to the growth and viability of manufacturing enterprises;
(4)
supporting research necessary to evaluate, plan, and execute effective promotion of manufacturing enterprises; and
(5)
encouraging, assisting, and coordinating the activities of local, regional, and national public or private organizations that promote manufacturing.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-109 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 1. Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board
§ 3–109LinkCopy Citation
The Board shall submit a report each year to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on the progress of the Board in implementing policies to assist manufacturing in the State.
Subtitle 2. Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-201 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 2. Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board
§ 3–201LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Advisory Board” means the Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board.
(c)
“Corporation” means the Maryland Technology Development Corporation.
(d)
“Life sciences” includes the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomedical technologies, life systems technologies, food sciences, environmental sciences, and biomedical devices.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-202 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 2. Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board
§ 3–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is a Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board in the Department.
(b)
The purpose of the Advisory Board is to recommend State and federal policies, priorities, practices, and legislation to expedite the creation of private sector jobs through the commercialization of life sciences research.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-203 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 2. Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board
§ 3–203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Advisory Board consists of the following 18 members:
(1)
the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee;
(2)
the Executive Director of the Corporation, or the Executive Director’s designee; and
(3)
the following members appointed by the Governor:
(i)
three representing federal agencies located in the State with life sciences missions;
(ii)
seven with executive experience in life sciences businesses located in the State, at least four of whom represent small businesses;
(iii)
four representing institutions of higher education located in the State, one of whom shall represent a community college;
(iv)
one with general business marketing experience in a life sciences business located in the State; and
(v)
one member of the general public.
(b)
The composition of the Advisory Board shall reflect the racial and gender diversity of the population of the State.
(c)
(1)
Except for the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee and the Executive Director of the Corporation or the Executive Director’s designee, the term of an Advisory Board member is 3 years.
(2)
At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(3)
A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(4)
The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Advisory Board on July 1, 2026.
(d)
The Governor may remove a member of the Advisory Board for incompetence, misconduct, or failure to perform the duties of the position.
(e)
The Governor shall select a chair from among the members of the Advisory Board.
(f)
The Advisory Board may act with an affirmative vote of eight members.
(g)
A member of the Advisory Board:
(1)
may not receive compensation as a member of the Advisory Board; but
(2)
is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-204 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 2. Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board
§ 3–204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Advisory Board shall assist the Department in:
(1)
developing a comprehensive State strategic plan for life sciences;
(2)
promoting life sciences research, development, commercialization, and manufacturing in the State;
(3)
promoting collaboration and coordination among life sciences organizations in the State;
(4)
promoting collaboration and coordination among research institutions of higher education in the State;
(5)
developing a strategy to coordinate State and federal resources to attract private sector investment and job creation in the life sciences;
(6)
developing a strategy to support federal life sciences facilities located in the State, including support for education, transportation, housing, and capital investment needs; and
(7)
making recommendations to address critical needs in the life sciences, including access to venture capital and capital construction funding.
(b)
In performing its duties, the Advisory Board shall give due consideration to the business, scientific, medical, and ethical aspects of the life sciences industry.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-205 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 2. Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board
§ 3–205LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Advisory Board shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on or before December 15 of each year.
(b)
The report shall include any recommendations from the Advisory Board and a summary of the activities of the Advisory Board during the preceding year.
Subtitle 3. Office of International Trade
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-301 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 3. Office of International Trade
§ 3–301LinkCopy Citation
In this subtitle, “Office” means the Office of International Trade.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-302 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 3. Office of International Trade
§ 3–302LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is an Office of International Trade in the Department.
(b)
The purpose of the Office is to promote the development of international business activities and opportunities in the State.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-303 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 3. Office of International Trade
§ 3–303LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Office may enter into contracts or make grants:
(1)
consistent with this subtitle; and
(2)
subject to the approval of the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee.
(b)
Procurement by the Office for services to be performed or supplies to be delivered outside the State shall be consistent with, but not subject to, Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-304 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 3. Office of International Trade
§ 3–304LinkCopy Citation
With special emphasis on exports, the Office shall encourage businesses in the State to increase international trade activities by:
(1)
channeling trade leads and providing a list of prescreened foreign intermediaries;
(2)
providing informational and consultative services on the international trade process, including:
(i)
market research and selection;
(ii)
marketing techniques and risks;
(iii)
foreign trade laws; and
(iv)
the availability of private or public financing;
(3)
developing publications to facilitate the exchange of information on products and services between businesses in the State and foreign businesses;
(4)
initiating and organizing foreign trade missions to and from foreign countries and participating in trade fairs, in cooperation with local governments and the private sector;
(5)
establishing an outreach program for small-sized and medium-sized businesses that have export potential to provide counseling and to use experienced private-sector exporters and other qualified persons; and
(6)
assisting, as appropriate, with acquisition of export-related financing through the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority and federal, local, or private programs.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-305 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 3. Office of International Trade
§ 3–305LinkCopy Citation
The Office shall encourage and facilitate participation by businesses in the State in barter, counter trade, and joint venture transactions, as appropriate, by:
(1)
providing informational and consultative services, including the necessary components and laws involved in these transactions;
(2)
facilitating the commercial relationship between Maryland businesses in the State and counterpart foreign businesses involved in these transactions; and
(3)
providing, in cooperation with the private sector, a listing of potential barter and joint venture opportunities.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-306 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 3. Office of International Trade
§ 3–306LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Office shall coordinate its programs with the State Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Environment, the State Department of Transportation, the University System of Maryland, other appropriate federal, State, and local units, and private organizations.
(b)
In overseas offices of the State, and with other State units, the Office shall participate, as appropriate, in providing informational and marketing services to support international trade efforts of the Office.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-307 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 3. Office of International Trade
§ 3–307LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Office shall encourage and facilitate regional efforts to develop local and regional international trade programs and expertise, consistent with other State efforts, through:
(1)
technical assistance; and
(2)
matching grants to public or private regional entities.
(b)
The Office shall encourage the location of new international industrial or commercial enterprises in the State, in cooperation with local governments and other entities.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-308 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 3. Office of International Trade
§ 3–308LinkCopy Citation
The Office shall engage in any other activity reasonably necessary to achieve the purposes of this subtitle.
Subtitle 4. Partnership for Workforce Quality
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-401 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 4. Partnership for Workforce Quality
§ 3–401LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Fund” means the Partnership for Workforce Quality Fund.
(c)
“Program” means the Partnership for Workforce Quality Program.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-402 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 4. Partnership for Workforce Quality
§ 3–402LinkCopy Citation
There is a Partnership for Workforce Quality Program in the Department.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-403 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 4. Partnership for Workforce Quality
§ 3–403LinkCopy Citation
The purpose of the Program is to provide training services to:
(1)
improve the competitiveness and productivity of the State’s workforce and business community;
(2)
upgrade employee skills, or train new employees, for new technologies or production processes; and
(3)
assist employers located in the State in promoting employment stability.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-404 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 4. Partnership for Workforce Quality
§ 3–404LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Secretary or the Secretary’s designee shall direct the Program.
(b)
The Secretary may not provide training assistance under the Program except at the specific request of an employer or group of employers.
(c)
To identify employers that need assistance, the Secretary shall use local advisory groups, including private industry councils and joint apprenticeship committees.
(d)
Subject to §§ 3-405 and 3-412(c) and (d)(1) of this subtitle, the Secretary shall establish eligibility criteria and priorities for assistance under the Program.
(e)
In accordance with § 2.5–109 of this article, the Secretary shall submit a report on the operation and performance of the Program.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-405 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 4. Partnership for Workforce Quality
§ 3–405LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
An employer receiving assistance under the Program shall be located in the State.
(2)
In order to receive assistance under the Program, an employer shall request training assistance in job–specific skills to train new employees or to upgrade or retain existing Maryland–based employees covered under Title 8 of the Labor and Employment Article.
(b)
The Secretary shall give priority to employers that are:
(1)
manufacturers; or
(2)
threatened by the pressure of increased foreign or domestic competition.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-406 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 4. Partnership for Workforce Quality
§ 3–406LinkCopy Citation
The Program shall provide business assistance services that:
(1)
determine whether the employer’s specific needs are best met by training, other types of assistance, or a combination of services;
(2)
identify the availability of existing training programs that may be adapted to meet the employer’s needs;
(3)
identify the resources the employer may provide to support the training, including:
(i)
equipment;
(ii)
facilities; and
(iii)
materials;
(4)
identify or develop appropriate curricula; and
(5)
determine the most cost-effective approach to meeting training needs.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-407 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 4. Partnership for Workforce Quality
§ 3–407LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Secretary may award a grant for job-specific training assistance to an eligible:
(1)
business;
(2)
community college;
(3)
private career school;
(4)
State-accredited training agency;
(5)
trade association; or
(6)
union-sponsored training program.
(b)
Training shall be approved by the employer of those being trained.
(c)
Under the Program, job-specific training may not exceed 1 year.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-411 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 4. Partnership for Workforce Quality
§ 3–411LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is a Partnership for Workforce Quality Fund in the Department.
(b)
The Secretary shall manage and supervise the Fund.
(c)
(1)
The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to reversion under § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2)
The Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(d)
The Fund consists of:
(1)
money appropriated by the State to the Fund;
(2)
money made available to the Fund through federal programs;
(3)
private contributions to the Fund;
(4)
an application or other fee paid to the Program in connection with processing a request for financial assistance; and
(5)
any other money made available to the Fund.
(e)
The Department may use money in the Fund for:
(1)
grants to defray the cost of workforce training; and
(2)
administrative, actuarial, legal, and technical services for the Program.
(f)
Any investment earnings shall be credited to the Fund.
(g)
The Governor shall include in the State budget for each fiscal year an appropriation of at least $1,000,000 for the Partnership for Workforce Quality Program.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-412 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 4. Partnership for Workforce Quality
§ 3–412LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Program may provide business assistance services under § 3-406 of this subtitle at no cost to the employer.
(b)
Program money may be used for costs associated with the direct delivery of instruction, including:
(1)
curriculum development;
(2)
course materials; and
(3)
instructors’ salaries and expenses for training.
(c)
(1)
At least 60% of the money available to the Program shall be reserved for employers with 150 or fewer employees based in the State.
(2)
Up to 20% of the money available to the Program may be provided to an employer with more than 500 employees based in the State, if the employer:
(i)
is primarily engaged in manufacturing or in a technology-based business;
(ii)
agrees to increase purchases of goods produced in the State and services from suppliers based in the State; and
(iii)
agrees to provide the workforce training to the number of employees based in the State, as determined by the Program, of smaller employers located in the State that supply goods or services to the employer receiving the money.
(d)
(1)
An employer may not receive more than $200,000 a year from the Program.
(2)
The Program may not contribute more than 50% of direct training costs for job-specific training assistance.
(3)
Program money may not be used for:
(i)
capital equipment for an employer; or
(ii)
trainee wages.
Subtitle 6. Office of Telework Assistance
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-601 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 6. Office of Telework Assistance
§ 3–601LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Office” means the Office of Telework Assistance.
(c)
“Telework” has the meaning stated in § 2–308 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-602 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 6. Office of Telework Assistance
§ 3–602LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is an Office of Telework Assistance within the Department.
(b)
The Office shall:
(1)
establish best practices for telework policies;
(2)
consult with the business community and other governmental agencies, including the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Information Technology, as the Office determines is necessary in establishing the best practices;
(3)
post the best practices established by the Office on the Department’s website in a publicly accessible location;
(4)
on or before October 1, 2021, and each October 1 thereafter, adopt guidelines on the best practices established by the Office under this subtitle; and
(5)
assist private sector business entities in implementing telework policies for their employees.
Subtitle 7
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-701 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 7
§ 3–701LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Program” means the Maryland Workforce Launch Pilot Program.
(c)
“Qualified business entity” means a business entity that:
(1)
does not have a physical location in the State;
(2)
is in active negotiations with the Department to establish a location in the State from outside the State; and
(3)
enters into an agreement with the Department to participate in the Program.
(d)
“Strategic industry” means an industry sector identified by the Department in the State’s economic strategic plan.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-702 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 7
§ 3–702LinkCopy Citation
There is a Maryland Workforce Launch Pilot Program in the Department.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-703 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 7
§ 3–703LinkCopy Citation
The purpose of the Program is to provide customized, no–cost workforce training as a business attraction tool to recruit strategic industries and qualified business entities to the State.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-704 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 7
§ 3–704LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Department shall administer the Program.
(b)
The Department shall partner with not more than two community colleges in the State to deliver training services under the Program.
(c)
The Department shall distribute funds to a partner community college to cover the direct costs of developing and delivering customized training for a qualified business entity.
(d)
For each qualified business entity receiving assistance under the Program, the Department shall establish performance metrics, including:
(1)
the number of full–time jobs created; and
(2)
the salary that the qualified business entity is providing to the individuals being trained.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-705 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 7
§ 3–705LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Any curriculum, manuals, or instructional materials developed by a community college under this subtitle shall be owned by the community college.
(b)
The Department shall include in each agreement with a qualified business entity a provision requiring the qualified business entity to reimburse the Department for the cost of the training services if the qualified business entity fails to meet the performance metrics established under § 3–704 of this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Econ. Dev. § 3-706 (2026)
Title 3. Economic Development and Business Resources
Subtitle 7
§ 3–706LinkCopy Citation
On or before December 31, 2028, the Department shall submit a report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the effectiveness of the Program, including revenue generated by the qualified business entities, jobs created by qualified business entities, and recommendations for statewide expansion.