Education (GED) — Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Subtitle 1. County Advisory Council on Career and Technology Education
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-101 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 1. County Advisory Council on Career and Technology Education
§ 21–101LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is a county advisory council on career and technology education in each county.
(b)
(1)
The county board shall determine the number of members on the council.
(2)
The councils may include educators and administrators in the field of education as ex officio, nonvoting members of the councils.
(c)
(1)
The county board of education shall appoint the council in any county that does not have an institution of postsecondary education that receives federal support for career and technology education programs.
(2)
In any other county, the county school board and the governing bodies of the institutions of postsecondary education that receive federal support for a career and technology education program shall agree on the procedure for appointment of the council.
(d)
The members of the council shall be members of the general public, especially representatives of:
(1)
Business;
(2)
Industry;
(3)
Organized labor;
(4)
Each sex;
(5)
Racial and ethnic minorities; and
(6)
The geographic regions of the county.
(e)
Each county advisory council shall advise the county board of education and each institution of postsecondary education in the county that receives federal support for a career and technology education program on:
(1)
The distribution of career and technology education funds;
(2)
County career and technology education program accountability reports;
(3)
County job needs; and
(4)
The adequacy of career and technology education programs being offered.
Subtitle 2. Career and Technical Education
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-201 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 2. Career and Technical Education
§ 21–201LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
(1)
“CTE” means Career and Technical Education.
(2)
“CTE” includes a high school level and postsecondary registered apprenticeship program approved by the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning within the Maryland Department of Labor.
(c)
“CTE Committee” means the Career and Technical Education Committee established under § 21–207 of this subtitle.
(d)
“Federal acts” means:
(1)
The Smith–Hughes Act;
(2)
The George–Barden Act;
(3)
The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act;
(4)
The Vocational Education Act of 1963;
(5)
Any other career and technology education act of the United States Congress; and
(6)
Any amendments to any of these acts.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-202 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 2. Career and Technical Education
§ 21–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The State of Maryland assents to the federal acts.
(b)
The State Treasurer shall:
(1)
Be the custodian of any money received under the federal acts; and
(2)
Disburse this money in accordance with the federal acts.
(c)
The State Board of Education shall:
(1)
Cooperate with the appropriate federal agencies in administering the federal acts;
(2)
Do anything necessary to secure the benefits of the federal acts;
(3)
Facilitate the transfer of federal funds to the appropriate operational entity including the Maryland Department of Labor; and
(4)
Represent this State in all matters relating to the administration of the federal acts.
(d)
(1)
The State Board of Education shall be the sole State agency responsible for the administration of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.
(2)
(i)
On or before October 1, 2021, the State Board of Education shall request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Education to transfer to the CTE Committee responsibility for the administration of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.
(ii)
If the waiver in this paragraph is granted, the CTE Committee shall be responsible for the administration of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.
(3)
The CTE Committee or the State Board of Education, as appropriate, shall include in the State plan required under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act goals and programs that are consistent with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, as defined in § 5–401 of this article, to the extent consistent with federal law.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-203 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 2. Career and Technical Education
§ 21–203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Career and technical education programs in the public schools shall:
(1)
Offer a sequence of academic and occupational courses, career development, and work experience to prepare students to begin careers and to pursue lifelong learning; and
(2)
Integrate academic knowledge and occupational competence to enable students to develop the critical thinking, problem solving, employability, and technical skills required to meet the workforce preparation and economic development needs of the 21st century.
(b)
(1)
Beginning with the 2023–2024 school year, career and technical education programs shall be aligned with the requirements of this section and the system implemented by the CTE Committee established under § 21–207 of this subtitle.
(2)
Beginning in fiscal year 2024, the adoption of programs relating to, and the provision of, career and technical education by county boards, the State Board, and community colleges shall be consistent with the system implemented by the CTE Committee.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-204 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 2. Career and Technical Education
§ 21–204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
On or before June 1, 2024, the CTE Committee shall establish, for each school year between the 2023–2024 school year and the 2030–2031 school year, inclusive, statewide goals that reach 45% by the 2030–2031 school year, for the percentage of high school students who, prior to graduation, complete the high school level of a registered apprenticeship or another industry–recognized occupational credential.
(2)
To the extent practicable, the CTE Committee shall ensure that the largest number of students achieve the requirement of this subsection by completing a high school level of a registered apprenticeship program approved by the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning within the Maryland Department of Labor.
(b)
On or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2024, the CTE Committee shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly, and the Accountability and Implementation Board on the progress, by high school, toward attaining the goals established by the CTE Committee in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-205 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 2. Career and Technical Education
§ 21–205LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “Grant” means the Career and Technical Education Innovation Grant.
(b)
(1)
There is a Career and Technical Education Innovation Grant.
(2)
The purpose of the Grant is to provide funds to develop and implement a CTE curriculum framework and pathway that is innovative and includes best practices that are used by the best CTE programs around the world.
(3)
The Department shall administer the Grant.
(c)
(1)
(i)
A county board or a community college may submit a proposal to the Department to receive a grant for a CTE pathway that is in furtherance of the purpose of the Grant.
(ii)
To be eligible for a grant, an application shall identify a partnership with at least one county board, one community college, and one industry partner to develop an innovative CTE pathway that:
(1)
Is of high quality;
(2)
Is aligned with the skills needed by employers;
(3)
Will lead to an industry–recognized license or certificate;
(4)
Creates internship or apprenticeship opportunities; and
(5)
Prepares students to successfully compete in a global economy.
(2)
An application shall include:
(i)
A description of the proposed curriculum framework and pathway that is articulated between secondary and postsecondary education or training;
(ii)
A business plan that includes the estimated total cost, including any one–time or capital equipping costs, of implementing the proposed curriculum framework and pathway; and
(iii)
Any other information required by the Department.
(3)
The Department shall establish processes and procedures for accepting and evaluating applications.
(4)
The Department shall make awards in a timely fashion.
(d)
(1)
For each fiscal year through fiscal year 2024, the Governor shall annually appropriate at least $2,000,000 in the operating budget of the Department for the grant program.
(2)
The Department may retain up to 3% of the appropriation required under this subsection to hire staff necessary to administer the grant program.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-206 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 2. Career and Technical Education
§ 21–206LinkCopy Citation
On or before December 1 each year, the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly the available data for high school graduates for the 5–year period after graduation on:
(1)
Wages earned;
(2)
Hours worked per week; and
(3)
The industry in which the individuals are employed.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-207 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 2. Career and Technical Education
§ 21–207LinkCopy Citation
The Department, the Interagency Commission on School Construction, and the Maryland Stadium Authority shall collaborate with local school systems and community colleges to develop a career and technical education program or an apprenticeship pathway in school building maintenance that leads to an industry recognized certificate or credential.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-208 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 2. Career and Technical Education
§ 21–208LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Regional counties” means Caroline County, Dorchester County, Kent County, Queen Anne’s County, and Talbot County.
(3)
“Regional CTE school” means a school or part of a school that provides career and technical education programs to public high school students in the regional counties.
(4)
“School” includes a public institution of higher education located within the regional counties.
(b)
(1)
Two or more county boards of the regional counties may establish a regional CTE school.
(2)
A regional CTE school may not be established unless at least two county boards of the regional counties, the governing bodies of those regional counties, and the board of trustees of the public institution of higher education, if applicable, approve the establishment of the regional CTE school.
(3)
Participating county boards of the regional counties, the governing bodies of those regional counties, and the board of trustees of the public institution of higher education, if applicable, shall enter into a binding memorandum of understanding that provides for the governance, operations, financing, and maintenance of the regional CTE school.
(c)
Any State or local education aid required under Title 5, Subtitle 2 of this article or other provisions of this article is to be calculated and distributed as required in those sections of law unless otherwise agreed to in the memorandum of understanding required in subsection (b) of this section.
(d)
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in this section, a regional CTE school shall comply with the regulations and provisions of law governing other public schools.
(2)
A regional CTE school shall operate under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement between the county board and the exclusive bargaining representative that is in effect in the county where the school is located.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-209 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 2. Career and Technical Education
§ 21–209LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Committee.
(b)
(1)
The CTE Committee is a unit within the Governor’s Workforce Development Board established under Title 11, Subtitle 5 of the Labor and Employment Article.
(2)
The CTE Committee shall operate under the oversight of the Accountability and Implementation Board, established under Title 5, Subtitle 4 of this article.
(c)
(1)
The purpose of the CTE Committee is to direct and coordinate the development of an integrated, globally competitive and aligned system for providing CTE to Maryland students in public schools, institutions of postsecondary education, and the workforce.
(2)
The CTE Committee shall strive to integrate CTE in secondary and postsecondary institutions in the State.
(3)
The CTE Committee shall consist of individuals who collectively reflect, to the extent practicable, the industrial, geographical, racial, ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity of the State.
(d)
The CTE Committee is composed of the following members of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board:
(1)
The State Superintendent;
(2)
The Secretary of Higher Education;
(3)
The Secretary of Labor;
(4)
The Secretary of Commerce; and
(5)
Seven members, jointly selected by the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Delegates, who collectively represent:
(i)
Employers;
(ii)
Industry or trade associations;
(iii)
Labor organizations;
(iv)
Community colleges;
(v)
The agricultural community; and
(vi)
Experts in CTE programming.
(e)
The Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Delegates jointly shall appoint a chair of the CTE Committee from among the committee members who are employer representatives.
(f)
A member of the CTE Committee:
(1)
May not receive compensation as a member of the CTE Committee; and
(2)
Is not entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations for duties performed under this section.
(g)
The CTE Committee may employ additional staff necessary to carry out the committee’s functions as provided in the State budget.
(h)
The CTE Committee shall perform the following duties:
(1)
Develop a statewide framework for CTE that prepares students for employment in a diverse, modern economy;
(2)
Allocate roles and responsibilities to State agencies for the credentialing of students, including those engaged in CTE programs;
(3)
Adopt and, where appropriate, develop and regularly update, in accordance with § 21–210 of this subtitle, a comprehensive and cohesive system of career pathway information, including necessary skills, knowledge, competencies, and credentialing standards to drive the State’s workforce development and CTE systems;
(4)
Work with the business community, including nonprofit entities and apprenticeship sponsors, to develop CTE learning opportunities;
(5)
Bring together representatives from public schools, institutions of postsecondary education, and the business community, including nonprofit entities and apprenticeship sponsors, to ensure that CTE programs are aligned with the State’s economic development and workforce goals and operate with best global practices;
(6)
Set content qualification and recruitment standards for CTE instructors;
(7)
Determine which programs should be approved for credit towards high school graduation requirements;
(8)
Address operational issues associated with delivering CTE programs to students, including transportation to and from job sites;
(9)
Review agency budget proposals involving CTE and make recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on or before December 15 each year;
(10)
Monitor the progress of CTE in the State, including progress on implementing the CTE goals in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future;
(11)
Develop yearly goals for each county board to reach the statewide goal under § 21–204 of this subtitle that 45% of public high school students complete the high school level of a registered apprenticeship or another industry–recognized credential before they graduate;
(12)
Track progress toward and perform any tasks necessary to achieve the statewide goal under § 21–204 of this subtitle that 45% of public high school students complete the high school level of a registered apprenticeship or another industry–recognized credential, as defined by the CTE Committee, before they graduate;
(13)
Establish, administer, and supervise the CTE Expert Review Teams established under § 5–412 of this article;
(14)
Using State accountability data, identify schools to be reviewed by CTE Expert Review Teams in which sufficient numbers of students or groups of demographically distinct students are not making adequate progress towards the completion of the CTE pathway;
(15)
Submit to the Accountability and Implementation Board plans for deploying CTE Expert Review Teams, and deploy the teams in accordance with approved plans;
(16)
Share information on CTE education with the Accountability and Implementation Board;
(17)
Make recommendations and provide guidance on setting the occupational standards necessary for a strong CTE system that shall form the basis for the post–CCR CTE pathway required under § 7–205.1(g)(3) of this article;
(18)
In collaboration with and subject to the approval of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board and in consultation with other industry representatives, develop and maintain a list of high–skill, high–wage, or in–demand priority occupations for the State;
(19)
In accordance with § 21–211 of this subtitle, make recommendations to State agencies and offices, including to the Department, the Maryland Department of Labor, the Maryland Higher Education Commission, and the Accountability and Implementation Board, on adjustments to the State’s CTE system to ensure the system:
(i)
Remains globally competitive;
(ii)
Is administered according to best global practices; and
(iii)
When informing the design of courses and programs of study, leverages the career pathway and occupational standards developed under § 21–210 of this subtitle; and
(20)
Perform any other duties assigned by the Governor’s Workforce Development Board.
(i)
The CTE Committee may:
(1)
Make grants to innovative programs developed by public schools, institutions of postsecondary education, apprenticeship sponsors, nonprofits, and other persons that help further the CTE Committee’s purpose;
(2)
Contract with a public or private entity to research and analyze the provision of CTE to students;
(3)
Create advisory structures necessary to ensure essential input from educators, parents, unions, employers, apprenticeship sponsors, community organizers, local workforce boards, and other key stakeholders; and
(4)
Adopt any regulations necessary to carry out the committee’s duties and administer CTE in the State.
(j)
(1)
A majority of CTE Committee members constitutes a quorum.
(2)
Action by the CTE Committee requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the committee members present.
(k)
(1)
Each year, the CTE Committee shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly, and the Accountability and Implementation Board.
(2)
The CTE Committee’s report shall include:
(i)
An annual assessment of the state of CTE within the State; and
(ii)
Statutory, regulatory, budgetary, and structural changes needed to address the challenges of the evolving CTE system.
(3)
Any student–level information in the CTE Committee’s report shall be disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, family income level, linguistic status, and disability status.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-210 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 2. Career and Technical Education
§ 21–210LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
For each occupation on the list developed under § 21–209(h) of this subtitle, the CTE Committee shall develop, in collaboration with the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, comprehensive, publicly accessible career pathway information.
(2)
The career pathway information shall include information on:
(i)
Skills, knowledge, competencies, experience, or credential standards for each occupation;
(ii)
Concrete steps to obtain the skills, competencies, experiences, or credentials necessary to advance on a career pathway or to higher–paying roles in a profession;
(iii)
Credentials to be issued at each stage of career pathway advancement; and
(iv)
Necessary criteria to be awarded a credential.
(3)
The career pathway information shall be adopted by the Governor’s Workforce Development Board.
(b)
All State agencies and relevant workforce development and education programs shall use the list of occupations developed under § 21–209(h) of this subtitle and career pathway information developed under this section as a guideline for curriculum alignment, credentialing, and career advancement.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-211 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 2. Career and Technical Education
§ 21–211LinkCopy Citation
In making the recommendations required under § 21–209(h) of this subtitle regarding adjustments to the State’s CTE system, the CTE Committee shall strive to create a comprehensive, unified system of career progression that:
(1)
Is attuned to the State’s workforce needs;
(2)
Features integration among as many industries as possible;
(3)
Features performance assessments administered by industry practitioners whenever possible;
(4)
Allows a student trained in one career to seamlessly transfer the student’s skills and education to a new career in a different field;
(5)
Incorporates professional workplace soft skills, including interpersonal and communication skills, time management, business etiquette, and use of common business tools; and
(6)
Incorporates education in high school, community college, and other postsecondary occupational training programs into a unified system that will provide students with credentials at various points that build on previous credentials.
Subtitle 3. Rehabilitation Services
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-301 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 3. Rehabilitation Services
§ 21–301LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Disability” means any physical or mental impairment that constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment or independent living.
(c)
“Division” means the Division of Rehabilitation Services in the State Department of Education.
(d)
“Federal acts” means the rehabilitation acts of the United States Congress.
(e)
“Rehabilitation” means the process of enabling a disabled individual to become gainfully employed and to function more independently.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-302 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 3. Rehabilitation Services
§ 21–302LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The State of Maryland assents to the federal acts.
(b)
The State Treasurer shall:
(1)
Be the custodian of any money received under the federal acts; and
(2)
Disburse this money in accordance with the federal acts.
(c)
The State Board of Education shall:
(1)
Cooperate with the appropriate federal agencies in administering the federal acts; and
(2)
Do anything necessary to secure the benefits of the federal acts.
(d)
(1)
In this subsection, “State match amount” means the amount of the State’s share of funding required under the federal acts.
(2)
The Governor may include in the annual budget bill an increase in the General Fund appropriation to ensure the State match amount for the Division is met.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-303 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 3. Rehabilitation Services
§ 21–303LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is an Employment Program Fund in the Division of Rehabilitation Services in the State Department of Education.
(b)
Funds for the Employment Program Fund established under this section shall be included in the budget of the Division of Rehabilitation Services in the State Department of Education.
(c)
A community rehabilitation and employment agency accredited by the Division of Rehabilitation Services in the State Department of Education is eligible to receive funds available in the Employment Program Fund established under this section.
(d)
The Division of Rehabilitation Services may contract with nonprofit rehabilitation and employment agencies to provide the funds established under this section for:
(1)
Supported employment placements;
(2)
Competitive work placements; or
(3)
Transitional employment.
(e)
The Division of Rehabilitation Services shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-304 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 3. Rehabilitation Services
§ 21–304LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is a Division of Rehabilitation Services in the State Department of Education.
(b)
The State Board of Education shall:
(1)
Disburse all funds provided, and administer all programs established under this subtitle, for the rehabilitation of disabled individuals;
(2)
Appoint and fix the compensation of the personnel necessary to administer this subtitle;
(3)
Rehabilitate and place in gainful occupations individuals eligible for the benefits of this subtitle;
(4)
Rehabilitate eligible individuals to function more independently;
(5)
Adopt rules and regulations necessary to administer this subtitle;
(6)
Report annually to the Governor on the administration of this subtitle; and
(7)
Cooperate with other public and private departments, agencies, and institutions to:
(i)
Provide for the rehabilitation of disabled individuals;
(ii)
Provide for the independent living rehabilitation of severely disabled individuals;
(iii)
Study the problems of rehabilitation; and
(iv)
Develop and provide programs, facilities, and services necessary or desirable to implement this subtitle.
(c)
(1)
The State Department of Education shall, in addition to licensing vending facility managers in federal buildings in this State under § 21–302(c) of this subtitle pursuant to the federal acts, license blind persons to manage vending facilities in all State, county, and municipal buildings and in all privately owned buildings and premises in this State in the event of contract with such person.
(2)
The Division shall be the licensing agency for all vending facilities within this State licensed under this subtitle.
(d)
(1)
In this subsection, “medical and psychological records” includes:
(i)
Medical documentation;
(ii)
Psychological information;
(iii)
School documentation; and
(iv)
Any other relevant information.
(2)
The Division and the Developmental Disabilities Administration shall enter into a memorandum of understanding, the terms of which shall include a data sharing agreement for the medical and psychological records of mutual clients in order to expedite decisions regarding eligibility for services.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-305 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 3. Rehabilitation Services
§ 21–305LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Division” means the Division of Rehabilitation Services within the Maryland State Department of Education.
(3)
“Transition services” means a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability who meets the definition of a transitioning student that promotes movement from school to postschool activities, including postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated employment, supported employment, adult services, independent living, and community participation.
(4)
“Transitioning student” means a student with a disability who is between the ages of 14 and 21 years who meets the eligibility criteria of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or § 7 of the federal Rehabilitation Act.
(b)
The Division shall:
(1)
Assign a rehabilitation counselor as a liaison to each Maryland public high school;
(2)
Establish a cooperative agreement with each county board defining roles, responsibilities, and procedures in order to provide appropriate transition services for a transitioning student; and
(3)
Develop, in consultation with county boards, for each transitioning student who is determined eligible for rehabilitation services, an individualized plan for employment prior to graduation.
(c)
(1)
Each county board shall transmit to the Department information relating to the postsecondary anticipated services of the county’s transitioning students. The information shall be reported in the manner required by the Department.
(2)
The Department shall aggregate the information provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection and forward the information annually to:
(i)
The Behavioral Health Administration of the Maryland Department of Health;
(ii)
The Developmental Disabilities Administration of the Maryland Department of Health; and
(iii)
Other appropriate State adult services agencies, as determined by the Department.
(3)
The information under this section shall include, for each transitioning student:
(i)
The student’s current age;
(ii)
The projected year of exit of the student from school;
(iii)
Anticipated needs of the student;
(iv)
The student’s county of residence; and
(v)
Any other information that the Department considers appropriate.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-306 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 3. Rehabilitation Services
§ 21–306LinkCopy Citation
To be eligible for rehabilitation an individual shall:
(1)
Be disabled; and
(2)
Be susceptible of rehabilitation.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-307 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 3. Rehabilitation Services
§ 21–307LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The State Board of Education and the State Workers’ Compensation Commission shall administer jointly the program established in this section.
(b)
The State Workers’ Compensation Commission:
(1)
Shall establish a rehabilitation program;
(2)
May employ the necessary rehabilitation counselors and clerical staff to review all reports and claims;
(3)
Shall select from the reports and claims filed with it those for which rehabilitation services appear to be appropriate;
(4)
After proper investigation, shall refer appropriate cases to the Division of Rehabilitation Services;
(5)
On request of the Division of Rehabilitation Services, shall make available to the Division a complete medical evaluation, including a prognosis of work potential of any worker whose case it refers to the Division; and
(6)
Shall pay the salaries of the employees of the workers’ compensation rehabilitation program and all necessary expenses incurred:
(i)
In investigating and reviewing all reports and claims; and
(ii)
For supplies, furniture, and office space.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-308 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 3. Rehabilitation Services
§ 21–308LinkCopy Citation
Any report, record, memorandum, action, or finding of the Division of Rehabilitation Services may not be referred to in any way or be received as evidence in any civil proceeding before any agency or court, except under the rules and regulations adopted by the State Board of Education, under this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-309 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 3. Rehabilitation Services
§ 21–309LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Business entity” means:
(i)
A person conducting or operating a trade or business in Maryland; or
(ii)
An organization operating in Maryland that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(3)
“Division” means the Division of Rehabilitation Services of the Maryland State Department of Education.
(4)
“Qualified child care or transportation expenses” means:
(i)
State regulated child care expenses that are incurred by a business entity to enable a qualified employee with a disability to be gainfully employed; or
(ii)
Transportation expenses that are incurred by a business entity to enable a qualified employee with a disability to travel to and from work.
(5)
(i)
“Qualified employee with a disability” means an individual who:
(1)
Meets the definition of an individual with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act;
(2)
Has a disability that presently constitutes an impediment to obtaining or maintaining employment or to transitioning from school to work;
(3)
Is ready for employment; and
(4)
Has been determined by the Division or the Maryland Department of Labor, in consultation with the Division, as having met the criteria of a qualified employee with a disability established under this section.
(ii)
“Qualified employee with a disability” includes:
(1)
An individual who has been determined by the Maryland Department of Labor, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as having been discharged or released from active duty in the uniformed services for a service–connected disability; and
(2)
Any other individual meeting the definition of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, whether or not the individual receives services from the Division.
(6)
“Wages” means wages, within the meaning of § 51(c)(1), (2), and (3) of the Internal Revenue Code without regard to § 51(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that are paid by a business entity to an employee for services performed in a trade or business of the employer.
(b)
(1)
Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, a business entity may claim a tax credit in the amounts determined under subsections (c) and (d) of this section for the wages and qualified child care or transportation expenses with respect to a qualified employee with a disability that are paid in the taxable year for which the business entity claims the credit.
(2)
The same tax credit cannot be applied more than once against different taxes by the same taxpayer.
(c)
For each taxable year, for the wages paid to each qualified employee with a disability, a credit is allowed in an amount equal to 30% of up to the first $15,000 of the wages paid to the qualified employee with a disability during each of the first 2 years of employment.
(d)
For each taxable year, for child care provided or paid for by a business entity for the children of a qualified employee with a disability, or transportation expenses that are incurred by a business entity to enable a qualified employee with a disability to travel to and from work, a credit is allowed in an amount equal to up to $1,500 of the qualified child care or transportation expenses incurred for each qualified employee with a disability during each of the first 2 years of employment.
(e)
(1)
A business entity may not claim the credit under this section for an employee:
(i)
Who is hired to replace a laid–off employee or to replace an employee who is on strike; or
(ii)
For whom the business entity simultaneously receives federal or State employment training benefits.
(2)
A business entity may not claim the credit under this section until it has notified the Division that a qualified employee with a disability has been hired.
(3)
A business entity may claim a credit in the amount provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection for an employee whose employment lasts less than 1 year if the employee:
(i)
Voluntarily terminates employment with the employer;
(ii)
Is unable to continue employment due to a further disability or death; or
(iii)
Is terminated for cause.
(4)
(i)
If a business entity is entitled to a tax credit for an employee who is employed for less than 1 year because the employee voluntarily terminates employment with the employer to take another job, the business entity may claim a tax credit of 30% of up to the first $15,000 of the wages paid to the employee during the course of employment.
(ii)
If a business entity is entitled to a tax credit for an employee who is employed for less than 1 year for a reason other than that described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the amount of the credit shall be reduced by the proportion of a year that the employee did not work.
(f)
If the credit allowed under this section in any taxable year exceeds the total tax otherwise payable by the business entity for that taxable year, a business entity may apply the excess as a credit for succeeding taxable years until the earlier of:
(1)
The full amount of the excess is used; or
(2)
The expiration of the 5th taxable year after the taxable year in which the wages or qualified child care or transportation expenses for which the credit is claimed are paid.
(g)
If a credit is claimed under this section, the claimant must make the addition required in § 10–205 or § 10–306 of the Tax – General Article.
(h)
(1)
Subject to the provisions of this subsection, the Maryland Department of Labor and the State Department of Education shall jointly adopt regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
(2)
The Comptroller shall adopt regulations to provide for the computation and carryover of the credit under § 10–704.7 of the Tax – General Article.
(3)
The State Department of Assessments and Taxation shall adopt regulations to provide for the computation and carryover of the credit under §§ 8–216 and 8–413 of the Tax – General Article.
(4)
The Maryland Insurance Commissioner shall adopt regulations to provide for the computation and carryover of the credit under § 6–115 of the Insurance Article.
(i)
The Maryland Department of Labor shall administer the tax credit and report to the Governor, and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly, before January 15 of each year on:
(1)
Marketing activities for the credit under this section;
(2)
The number of business entities who hired a qualified employee with a disability during the preceding year;
(3)
The number of qualified employees with disabilities:
(i)
Hired in each business sector for the preceding year; and
(ii)
Hired during the preceding year and employed for less than 1 year;
(4)
A summary of the average hourly wages paid to qualified employees with disabilities for the preceding year;
(5)
The number and amount of credits claimed during the preceding year; and
(6)
The number and amount of credits claimed for child care or transportation expenses, including a summary of the types of transportation expenses incurred by business entities.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-310 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 3. Rehabilitation Services
§ 21–310LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“DORS” means the Division of Rehabilitation Services in the State Department of Education.
(3)
“DORS consumer” means an individual determined eligible for rehabilitation services under § 21–306 of this subtitle who is placed by DORS in an unpaid work–based learning experience.
(4)
“Unpaid work–based learning experience” means a program that provides a DORS consumer with structured employer–supervised learning that:
(i)
Occurs in the workplace;
(ii)
Links with an individualized plan for employment;
(iii)
Is coordinated by a DORS rehabilitation specialist; and
(iv)
Is conducted in accordance with the terms of an individual written work–based learning experience agreement between DORS and the employer of that participating DORS consumer.
(b)
A DORS consumer who is placed with an employer in an unpaid work–based learning experience is a covered employee of that employer, as defined in Title 9 of the Labor and Employment Article for the purpose of coverage for medical services and treatment under the State workers’ compensation laws.
(c)
(1)
The participating employer where a DORS consumer is placed in an unpaid work–based learning experience shall secure workers’ compensation coverage for that DORS consumer.
(2)
The State Department of Education shall reimburse the employer in an amount equal to the lesser of:
(i)
The cost of the premium for the workers’ compensation coverage; or
(ii)
$250.
Subtitle 4. Sheltered Workshops
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-401 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 4. Sheltered Workshops
§ 21–401LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Community rehabilitation program” means a work oriented place or facility operated on a nonprofit basis that is operated principally to provide:
(1)
Suitable work, training, or retraining to individuals with disabilities who because of a disability cannot find gainful employment elsewhere; or
(2)
Gainful employment to individuals with severe disabilities.
(c)
“Individual with disabilities” means an individual who:
(1)
Has a severe physical or mental disability that seriously limits his mobility, communication, work tolerance, work skills, and ability to care for and direct himself, and function generally;
(2)
Can be expected to require multiple rehabilitation services over an extended period of time; and
(3)
Whose disability is determined by an evaluation of rehabilitation potential to cause substantial functional limitation.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-402 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 4. Sheltered Workshops
§ 21–402LinkCopy Citation
The Division of Rehabilitation Services of the State Department of Education shall administer this subtitle, and may adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement it.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-403 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 4. Sheltered Workshops
§ 21–403LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Division of Rehabilitation Services shall maintain a register of private nonprofit agencies or organizations it considers qualified to provide community rehabilitation program employment for individuals with disabilities.
(b)
Before it registers any organization or agency, the Division of Rehabilitation Services shall inspect community rehabilitation programs to determine if:
(1)
They are appropriate;
(2)
The agency or organization is eligible to receive funds under this subtitle; and
(3)
The programs meet the standards for community rehabilitation programs accepted by the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the federal Department of Education.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 21-404 (2026)
Title 21. Career and Technology Education Programs
Subtitle 4. Sheltered Workshops
§ 21–404LinkCopy Citation
The Division of Rehabilitation Services may contract with any approved agency or organization to provide programs and services set forth in § 21-303(d) of this title to any individual with disabilities if the Division is satisfied that the individual:
(1)
Is at least 17 years old;
(2)
Cannot find employment in the open labor market; and
(3)
May be expected to benefit from the programs and services set forth in § 21-303(d) of this title or that the individual’s best interests require this type of employment.