<section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-101" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board"> <text>In this subtitle, “Board” means the Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-102" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board"> <text>To support manufacturing in Maryland, it is the policy of the State to follow these seven principles:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the State must make a long-term institutional commitment to improving the competitiveness of existing and emerging manufacturers;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the State’s support for manufacturing must be industry-driven, with governmental and educational efforts focused on priorities set by businesses;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>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;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the State’s support of manufacturing must be held accountable to measurable outcomes that result from the State’s business assistance activities;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>to be competitive, all manufacturers must deploy the latest advances in technology;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>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</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>the State’s business assistance services for existing and emerging manufacturers must be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>comprehensive, ranging across marketing, technology, financing, job training, and other needs of manufacturing; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>readily available across all regions of the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-103" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board"> <text>There is a Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-104" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>one member appointed by the President of the Senate of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Secretary or the designee of the Secretary; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the following members appointed by the Secretary with the approval of the Governor:</text> <level label="1"> <text>one representative of an educational institution in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>two representatives of organized labor;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>10 representatives of manufacturing enterprises; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>one representative of business organizations.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The members appointed under paragraph (1)(iv) of this subsection shall reflect the racial and gender diversity of the population of the State.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The members appointed under paragraph (1)(iv)3 of this subsection should generally reflect representation from:</text> <level label="i"> <text>varied geographic regions of the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>varied sectors of manufacturing, balancing technology–related and traditional manufacturing industries; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the mix of manufacturing enterprises in the State, including those that employ 500 or more employees and those that employ fewer than 500 employees.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member appointed under subsection (a)(1)(iv) of this section is 3 years and begins on July 1.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>A vacancy shall be filled immediately for the remainder of the unexpired portion of a term.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor has been appointed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>A member appointed by the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House serves at the pleasure of the appointing officer.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A member appointed under subsection (a)(1)(iv) of this section may be removed at any time by the Secretary, with or without cause.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-105" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board"> <text>The Secretary shall designate a chair from among the private sector members of the Board.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-106" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board"> <text>The Board shall meet at least 4 times each year.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-107" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board"> <text>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.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-108" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board"> <text>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:</text> <level label="1"> <text>encouraging the development of new manufacturing enterprises and the expansion and retention of existing manufacturing enterprises;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>encouraging and facilitating training and education of individuals for manufacturing jobs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>producing a climate conducive to the growth and viability of manufacturing enterprises;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>supporting research necessary to evaluate, plan, and execute effective promotion of manufacturing enterprises; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>encouraging, assisting, and coordinating the activities of local, regional, and national public or private organizations that promote manufacturing.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-109" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board"> <text>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.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-201" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Advisory Board” means the Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Corporation” means the Maryland Technology Development Corporation.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Life sciences” includes the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomedical technologies, life systems technologies, food sciences, environmental sciences, and biomedical devices.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-202" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>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.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-203" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board"> <level label="a"> <text>The Advisory Board consists of the following 18 members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Executive Director of the Corporation, or the Executive Director’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the following members appointed by the Governor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>three representing federal agencies located in the State with life sciences missions;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>seven with executive experience in life sciences businesses located in the State, at least four of whom represent small businesses;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>four representing institutions of higher education located in the State, one of whom shall represent a community college;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>one with general business marketing experience in a life sciences business located in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>one member of the general public.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The composition of the Advisory Board shall reflect the racial and gender diversity of the population of the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Advisory Board on July 1, 2026.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Governor may remove a member of the Advisory Board for incompetence, misconduct, or failure to perform the duties of the position.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Governor shall select a chair from among the members of the Advisory Board.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Advisory Board may act with an affirmative vote of eight members.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A member of the Advisory Board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not receive compensation as a member of the Advisory Board; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-204" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board"> <level label="a"> <text>The Advisory Board shall assist the Department in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>developing a comprehensive State strategic plan for life sciences;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>promoting life sciences research, development, commercialization, and manufacturing in the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>promoting collaboration and coordination among life sciences organizations in the State;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>promoting collaboration and coordination among research institutions of higher education in the State;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>developing a strategy to coordinate State and federal resources to attract private sector investment and job creation in the life sciences;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>developing a strategy to support federal life sciences facilities located in the State, including support for education, transportation, housing, and capital investment needs; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>making recommendations to address critical needs in the life sciences, including access to venture capital and capital construction funding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In performing its duties, the Advisory Board shall give due consideration to the business, scientific, medical, and ethical aspects of the life sciences industry.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-205" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board"> <level label="a"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The report shall include any recommendations from the Advisory Board and a summary of the activities of the Advisory Board during the preceding year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-301" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Office of International Trade"> <text>In this subtitle, “Office” means the Office of International Trade.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-302" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Office of International Trade"> <level label="a"> <text>There is an Office of International Trade in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Office is to promote the development of international business activities and opportunities in the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-303" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Office of International Trade"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office may enter into contracts or make grants:</text> <level label="1"> <text>consistent with this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>subject to the approval of the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>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.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-304" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Office of International Trade"> <text>With special emphasis on exports, the Office shall encourage businesses in the State to increase international trade activities by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>channeling trade leads and providing a list of prescreened foreign intermediaries;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>providing informational and consultative services on the international trade process, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>market research and selection;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>marketing techniques and risks;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>foreign trade laws; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the availability of private or public financing;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>developing publications to facilitate the exchange of information on products and services between businesses in the State and foreign businesses;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>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;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>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</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>assisting, as appropriate, with acquisition of export-related financing through the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority and federal, local, or private programs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-305" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Office of International Trade"> <text>The Office shall encourage and facilitate participation by businesses in the State in barter, counter trade, and joint venture transactions, as appropriate, by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>providing informational and consultative services, including the necessary components and laws involved in these transactions;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>facilitating the commercial relationship between Maryland businesses in the State and counterpart foreign businesses involved in these transactions; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>providing, in cooperation with the private sector, a listing of potential barter and joint venture opportunities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-306" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Office of International Trade"> <level label="a"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>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.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-307" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Office of International Trade"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office shall encourage and facilitate regional efforts to develop local and regional international trade programs and expertise, consistent with other State efforts, through:</text> <level label="1"> <text>technical assistance; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>matching grants to public or private regional entities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office shall encourage the location of new international industrial or commercial enterprises in the State, in cooperation with local governments and other entities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-308" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Office of International Trade"> <text>The Office shall engage in any other activity reasonably necessary to achieve the purposes of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-401" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Partnership for Workforce Quality"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Fund” means the Partnership for Workforce Quality Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Program” means the Partnership for Workforce Quality Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-402" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Partnership for Workforce Quality"> <text>There is a Partnership for Workforce Quality Program in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-403" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Partnership for Workforce Quality"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to provide training services to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>improve the competitiveness and productivity of the State’s workforce and business community;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>upgrade employee skills, or train new employees, for new technologies or production processes; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>assist employers located in the State in promoting employment stability.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-404" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Partnership for Workforce Quality"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary or the Secretary’s designee shall direct the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary may not provide training assistance under the Program except at the specific request of an employer or group of employers.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To identify employers that need assistance, the Secretary shall use local advisory groups, including private industry councils and joint apprenticeship committees.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In accordance with § 2.5–109 of this article, the Secretary shall submit a report on the operation and performance of the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-405" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Partnership for Workforce Quality"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An employer receiving assistance under the Program shall be located in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary shall give priority to employers that are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>manufacturers; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>threatened by the pressure of increased foreign or domestic competition.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-406" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Partnership for Workforce Quality"> <text>The Program shall provide business assistance services that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>determine whether the employer’s specific needs are best met by training, other types of assistance, or a combination of services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>identify the availability of existing training programs that may be adapted to meet the employer’s needs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>identify the resources the employer may provide to support the training, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>equipment;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>facilities; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>materials;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>identify or develop appropriate curricula; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>determine the most cost-effective approach to meeting training needs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-407" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Partnership for Workforce Quality"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary may award a grant for job-specific training assistance to an eligible:</text> <level label="1"> <text>business;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>community college;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>private career school;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>State-accredited training agency;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>trade association; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>union-sponsored training program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Training shall be approved by the employer of those being trained.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Under the Program, job-specific training may not exceed 1 year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-411" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Partnership for Workforce Quality"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Partnership for Workforce Quality Fund in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary shall manage and supervise the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to reversion under § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>money appropriated by the State to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>money made available to the Fund through federal programs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>private contributions to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>an application or other fee paid to the Program in connection with processing a request for financial assistance; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>any other money made available to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department may use money in the Fund for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>grants to defray the cost of workforce training; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>administrative, actuarial, legal, and technical services for the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Any investment earnings shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>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.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-412" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Partnership for Workforce Quality"> <level label="a"> <text>The Program may provide business assistance services under § 3-406 of this subtitle at no cost to the employer.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Program money may be used for costs associated with the direct delivery of instruction, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>curriculum development;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>course materials; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>instructors’ salaries and expenses for training.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>At least 60% of the money available to the Program shall be reserved for employers with 150 or fewer employees based in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is primarily engaged in manufacturing or in a technology-based business;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>agrees to increase purchases of goods produced in the State and services from suppliers based in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>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.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>An employer may not receive more than $200,000 a year from the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Program may not contribute more than 50% of direct training costs for job-specific training assistance.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Program money may not be used for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>capital equipment for an employer; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>trainee wages.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-601" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Office of Telework Assistance"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Office” means the Office of Telework Assistance.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Telework” has the meaning stated in § 2–308 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-602" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Office of Telework Assistance"> <level label="a"> <text>There is an Office of Telework Assistance within the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>establish best practices for telework policies;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>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;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>post the best practices established by the Office on the Department’s website in a publicly accessible location;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>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</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>assist private sector business entities in implementing telework policies for their employees.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-701" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 535 OF 2026" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="7"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Program” means the Maryland Workforce Launch Pilot Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Qualified business entity” means a business entity that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>does not have a physical location in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is in active negotiations with the Department to establish a location in the State from outside the State; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>enters into an agreement with the Department to participate in the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Strategic industry” means an industry sector identified by the Department in the State’s economic strategic plan.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-702" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 535 OF 2026" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="7"> <text>There is a Maryland Workforce Launch Pilot Program in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-703" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 535 OF 2026" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="7"> <text>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.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-704" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 535 OF 2026" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="7"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall administer the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall partner with not more than two community colleges in the State to deliver training services under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>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.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>For each qualified business entity receiving assistance under the Program, the Department shall establish performance metrics, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the number of full–time jobs created; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the salary that the qualified business entity is providing to the individuals being trained.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-705" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 535 OF 2026" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="7"> <level label="a"> <text>Any curriculum, manuals, or instructional materials developed by a community college under this subtitle shall be owned by the community college.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>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.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="3-706" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 535 OF 2026" title_number="3" title_name="Economic Development and Business Resources" subtitle_number="7"> <text>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.</text> </section>