In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Program” means the Maryland Workforce Launch Pilot Program. “Qualified business entity” means a business entity that: does not have a physical location in the State; is in active negotiations with the Department to establish a location in the State from outside the State; and enters into an agreement with the Department to participate in the Program. “Strategic industry” means an industry sector identified by the Department in the State’s economic strategic plan.

There is a Maryland Workforce Launch Pilot Program in the Department.

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.

The Department shall administer the Program. The Department shall partner with not more than two community colleges in the State to deliver training services under the Program. 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. For each qualified business entity receiving assistance under the Program, the Department shall establish performance metrics, including: the number of full–time jobs created; and the salary that the qualified business entity is providing to the individuals being trained.

Any curriculum, manuals, or instructional materials developed by a community college under this subtitle shall be owned by the community college. 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.

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.