<section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-101" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Division Established"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Department” means the Maryland Department of Labor.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Secretary” means the Secretary of Labor.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-102" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Division Established"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning within the Maryland Department of Labor.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Division has the powers, duties, responsibilities, and functions provided in the laws of this State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Division has the general purpose of advancing the economic welfare of the people by coordinating the State’s public and private resources for adult learning, employment, and job training.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-103" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Division Established"> <level label="a"> <text>The Division shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>promote apprenticeship and training programs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>administer job training, placement, and service programs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>implement the provisions of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>administer adult education and literacy services programs;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>conduct educational and job skills training programs in adult correctional facilities;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>oversee any other units established pursuant to State or federal employment, training, or manpower statutes;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>administer those programs assigned to the Division by law or designated by the Secretary;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>administer any community service employment programs delegated to the State under Title V of the federal Older Americans Act of 1965; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>adopt regulations to carry out Subtitle 4 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Division shall meet and confer on a regular basis with representatives of the State’s community colleges, appointed by the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, and the adult education community, appointed by the Maryland Association for Adult Continuing and Community Education, to assure that adult education and literacy services and job training activities and resources are effectively coordinated.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Division shall partner with State departments and their exclusive representatives to identify opportunities to create registered apprenticeship programs to help address workforce shortages and the career workforce needs of those departments.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Division and Department of Budget and Management shall develop position classifications, which would include incremental salary adjustments, for employees who are selected to participate in the registered apprenticeship programs created under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In accordance with the identification of apprenticeship programs under subsection (c) of this section, the Division shall identify opportunities to create registered apprenticeship programs, including goals for the number of apprenticeships registered each year, to help address the career workforce needs of the State.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>On or before June 30 each year, the Division shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the following information for the immediately preceding calendar year:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a list of agencies that the Division partnered with to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>identify workforce shortages; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>create registered apprenticeship programs;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the number and type of registered apprenticeship programs that exist for State positions; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the progress in reaching the goals established under subsection (d) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-104" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Division Established"> <text>For the purpose of establishing compensation rates and basic rates for vacation and sick leave credit earnings, professional personnel who were employed by a county school system or the public library system in the State and who are subsequently appointed to positions in the Department to provide services in accordance with Subtitles 8 and 9 of this title shall be given credit as employees of the Department for their years of service as employees of the county school system or the public library system from which they transferred.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-105" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Division Established"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Accountability and Implementation Board” means the Accountability and Implementation Board established under § 5–402 of the Education Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For fiscal years 2022 through 2031, the Division shall pursue federal grant money for apprenticeship programs to be used:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for grants to apprentice sponsors to create, expand, and improve registered apprenticeship programs; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>to cover the cost of the State apprenticeship tax credit under § 10–742 of the Tax – General Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before December 31, 2021, the Division shall present a 10–year plan to pursue federal grant money under subsection (b) of this section to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, the Accountability and Implementation Board, and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the House Committee on Ways and Means.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-201" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Retraining of Dislocated Workers"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall establish a program for the retraining and placement of hospital employees who are unemployed or who may become unemployed as a result of the closing and delicensing of a hospital or the merging of hospitals under § 19–325 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary and the Secretary of Health shall adopt regulations to implement this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Hospital Employees Retraining Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Fund shall be used:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for the purposes described in this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>to pay any and all expenses of the Department in administering this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If a closing and delicensing of a hospital, or the merging of hospitals described in subsection (a) of this section occurs, the Department shall allocate money from the Fund to the local workforce development board in the county or region affected.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Any unexpended funds remaining in the Hospital Employees Retraining Fund at the end of the fiscal year may not revert to the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-301" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Economic Stabilization Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Employee” means an individual who works for an employer for an hourly or salaried wage or in a managerial and supervisory capacity.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Employee” does not include individuals who work less than an average of 20 hours per week or have worked for an employer for less than 6 months in the immediately preceding 12 months.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Employer” means any person, corporation, or other entity that employs at least 50 employees and operates an industrial, commercial, or business enterprise in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Employer” does not include the State or its political subdivisions or any employer who has been doing business in the State less than 1 year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Permanent” means that an employer has not agreed in a written contract to restore operations within 3 months after the time that the reduction in operations occurs.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Reduction in operations” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the relocation of a part of an employer’s operation from an initial workplace to another existing or proposed site that may reduce the total number of employees at the initial workplace by at least 25% or 15 employees, whichever is greater; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the shutting down of a workplace or a portion of the operations of a workplace that reduces the total number of employees by at least 25% or 15 employees, whichever is greater, over any 3–month period.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Workplace” includes a factory, plant, office or other facility where employees produce goods or provide services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Workplace” does not include a construction site or other temporary workplace.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-302" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Economic Stabilization Act"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to reductions in operations if the reduction:</text> <level label="1"> <text>results solely from labor disputes;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>occurs in a commercial, industrial, or agricultural enterprise operated by this State or its political subdivisions;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>occurs at construction sites or other temporary workplaces;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>results from seasonal factors that are determined by the Department to be customary in the industry; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>results when an employer files for bankruptcy under federal bankruptcy laws.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For the purposes of this subtitle, an employee may not be counted in the determination of a reduction in operations if the employee accepts an offer to transfer to any other site of employment within 30 days after being offered the transfer.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-303" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Economic Stabilization Act"> <text>There shall be a quick response program to provide both employers and employees with services to assist in mitigating the impact on employees that occurs with a reduction in operations.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-304" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Economic Stabilization Act"> <level label="a"> <text>The State’s quick response program is under the direction of the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary in cooperation with the Workforce Development Board shall develop mandatory guidelines for employers faced with a reduction in operations.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The guidelines developed under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>subject to § 11–305 of this subtitle, a written notice that an employer expects to terminate employees due to a reduction in operations;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the continuation of benefits, such as health, severance, and pension, that an employer should provide to employees who will be terminated due to a reduction in operations; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the specific mechanisms that employers can use to ask for the assistance of the State’s quick response program.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall maintain the capacity to provide employment and training services through the quick response program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This capacity shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>on–site unemployment insurance bulk claims registration: for incidents where 25 or more workers are laid off at 1 time, taking initial unemployment insurance claims at the employee’s place of business;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>registration for federal Trade Readjustment Act services: if the business closing is due to foreign competition, assisting workers in seeking federal training benefits and additional unemployment insurance compensation benefits;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>provision of labor market and retraining information: in conjunction with local workforce development boards, providing both local labor market information and retraining information that can assist the workers to obtain reemployment or retraining;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>job placement services: through the regular office services or through special on–site services, providing a range of job placement services utilizing the “job bank”;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>job seeking and finding information: providing 1–day workshops to assist job seekers in learning how to seek and secure jobs; or</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>referral to retraining opportunities: through local workforce development boards, liaisons with the private industry councils or service delivery areas, and the community college network, providing referrals for dislocated workers for retraining opportunities.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>To the extent funding is available, the Department shall provide funding to the local workforce development board in the affected county or region for direct deployment to serve workers affected by a reduction in operations.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall distribute the reduction in operations guidelines to all employers in the State every 2 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The distribution shall begin no later than July 1, 1986.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Department shall monitor layoff and employment patterns and payments of unemployment compensation contributions to identify employers that are likely to experience large losses in employment or a reduction in operations.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>If the Department identifies an employer that is likely to experience large losses in employment or a reduction in operations, the Department shall confidentially contact the employer and offer the assistance of the Department in providing alternative employment and retraining opportunities, including coordinating the delivery of available State and federal resources and services.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Secretary shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-305" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Economic Stabilization Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, an employer shall provide written notice at least 60 days before initiating a reduction in operations to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>all employees at the workplace that are subject to the reduction in operations;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>each exclusive representative or bargaining agency that represents the employees at the workplace that are subject to the reduction in operations;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>individuals who work less than 20 hours on average each week or have worked for the employer for less than 6 months in the immediately preceding 12 months at the workplace that is subject to the reduction in operations;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the Division’s dislocated worker unit; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <level label="1"> <text>the chief elected official of the political subdivision where the workplace that is subject to the reduction in operations is located; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if the workplace is located in more than one political subdivision, the chief elected official of the political subdivision to which the employer paid the most taxes for the fiscal year immediately preceding the year in which the reduction in operations occurs.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Division’s dislocated worker unit receives notice under paragraph (1)(iv) of this subsection, the unit shall forward the notice to the local workforce development board in the political subdivision where the workplace that is subject to the reduction is located.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The notice required under subsection (a) of this section shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the name and address of the workplace where the reduction of operations is expected to occur;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the name, telephone number, and e–mail address of a company official to contact for further information;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a statement that explains whether the reduction in operations is expected to be permanent or temporary and if the workplace is expected to shut down; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the expected date when the reduction in operations will begin.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an employer is not required to provide written notice if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the employer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>was actively seeking capital or business that would have enabled the employer to avoid or postpone the reduction in operations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>believed that providing the written notice required would have precluded the employer from obtaining the necessary capital or business; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the reduction in operations occurs due to any form of natural disaster such as a flood, an earthquake, or a drought.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An employer that relies on this subsection shall provide notice as soon as practicable with a brief statement of the basis for not providing written notice at least 60 days before initiating a reduction in operations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, for a reduction in operations that will result from a sale of part or all of an employer’s business, the notice required under subsection (a) of this section shall be provided both by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the seller on or before the effective date of sale; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the purchaser after the effective date of sale.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An individual who is an employee of the seller as of the effective date of sale shall be considered an employee of the purchaser immediately after the effective date of sale.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-306" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Economic Stabilization Act"> <level label="a"> <text>If the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee, determines that an employer has violated § 11–305 of this subtitle, the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall issue an order compelling compliance; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may, in the Secretary’s, or the Secretary’s designee’s, discretion, assess a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per day for each day that an employer violated § 11–305 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In determining the amount of the penalty, if assessed, the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee, shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the gravity of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the size of the employer’s business;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the employer’s good faith; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the employer’s history of violations under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The assessment of a penalty under subsection (a)(2) of this section shall be subject to the notice and hearing requirements of Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-401" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities"> <text>The intent, purposes and objectives of this subtitle are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>encourage the development of an apprenticeship and training system through the voluntary cooperation of management, labor, and interested State agencies in cooperation with other states and the federal government;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide for the establishment and furtherance of standards of apprenticeship and training to safeguard the welfare of apprentices and trainees;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>contribute to a healthy economy by aiding in the development and maintenance of a skilled labor force sufficient in numbers and quality to meet the expanding needs of Maryland industry and to attract new industry;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>open to young people the opportunity to obtain training in skilled trades and other on–the–job occupations which will equip them for profitable employment and citizenship;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>establish an apprenticeship and training council and authorize the appointment of a Director;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>set up a program of planned apprenticeship under registered agreements, meeting standards established by the Office of Apprenticeship, U.S. Department of Labor; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>promote employment opportunities for young people under conditions providing adequate training and reasonable earnings.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-402" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities"> <text>Subject to the evaluation and reestablishment provisions of the Maryland Program Evaluation Act, §§ 11–403 through 11–405 of this subtitle shall terminate on July 1, 2034.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-403" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities"> <level label="a"> <text>The Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning is the designated State Apprenticeship Agency under Title 29, C.F.R. Parts 29 and 30.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>There is an Apprenticeship and Training Council as part of the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning. The Council consists of 12 members all of whom shall be appointed by the Governor of Maryland, with the advice of the Secretary and with the advice and consent of the Senate of Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Four of the members shall be representatives of employee organizations; one shall be an employee; five shall be representatives of employers; and two shall be appointed from the general public.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The membership of the Council shall, to the extent practicable, reflect the geographic, racial, ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity of the State and shall include representation by individuals with disabilities and individuals who are Asian, Black, and Latino.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Consultants to the Council shall, to the extent practicable, reflect the geographic, racial, ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity of the State and shall include representation by individuals with disabilities and individuals who are Asian, Black, and Latino.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In advising the Governor, the Secretary shall give consideration to a balanced geographic representation from all of Maryland and a representative sampling and mix of Maryland industry.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>One member shall be appointed as Chairman by the Governor, with the advice of the Secretary, and serve as Chairman at the pleasure of the Governor. The Assistant State Superintendent, Career and Technology Education, and the Maryland State Director of the Office of Apprenticeship, U.S. Department of Labor, shall serve as consultants to the Council without vote.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Governor, with the advice of the Secretary may appoint up to three additional consultants to the Council from the public at large.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>All appointments as members of the Council shall be for terms of 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection and subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, a member shall be considered to have resigned if the member did not attend at least two–thirds of the Council meetings held during any consecutive 12–month period while the member was serving on the Council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Governor may waive a member’s resignation and allow the member to continue serving if the member has been unable to attend meetings for reasons satisfactory to the Governor and the reasons are made public.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In accordance with § 8–501 of the State Government Article, the Chairman shall provide notice to the Governor and the Governor shall appoint a successor.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-404" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities"> <text>The members of the Council shall receive per diem compensation as provided in the State budget for each day actually engaged in the discharge of their official duties as well as reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations. The Director of Apprenticeship and Training shall act as secretary.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-405" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>advise the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning on the apprenticeability of occupations in the State of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>encourage the establishment of local apprenticeship committees where the committees are needed;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>make recommendations regarding the formulation and adoption of standards of apprenticeship which safeguard the welfare of apprentices, being guided, but not controlled, by the standards of apprenticeship recommended by the federal committee on apprenticeship;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>require a minimum ratio of one journeyworker regularly employed to one apprentice, consistent with proper supervision, training, and continuity of employment and applicable provisions in collective bargaining agreements;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>at the time of or subsequent to registration, recommend a deviation from the minimum ratio requirement for all occupations that are defined by the Secretary as nonhazardous to workers and members of the public;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>consider formal written deviation requests from all other occupations;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>make recommendations regarding the formulation of policies for the overall apprenticeship program;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>make recommendations regarding the registration of standards of apprenticeship of the groups or employers that elect to conform with the provisions of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>make recommendations regarding the registration of apprenticeship agreements which conform to the standards of apprenticeship adopted by the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>recommend the issuance of certificates of completion of apprenticeship to apprentices who are registered with the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning when the Division determines that such apprentices have completed successfully their apprenticeship;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>seek all information pertaining to apprenticeship training in the State;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>prescribe its rules of procedure and duties of the Chairman, Director, and Secretary subject to the provisions of this law; and</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>perform other advisory functions as the Governor or the Secretary may direct or as may come within the scope of the Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>No person, firm, or corporation may offer, establish, maintain, or operate an apprenticeship program for any occupation approved by the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning as an apprenticeable occupation for which tuition, charges, or fees are charged to or are payable by an enrollee or student, or which is financed in whole or in part by State funds, unless the program is first approved by the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning shall issue a certificate of approval to an applicant operating or proposing to operate the program if the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning is satisfied that the conditions of entrance, the qualifications of the administrators and instructors, the content of the program, the facilities, and the financial aspects of the program are adequate and appropriate for the purpose of the program.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning does not issue a certificate of approval to an applicant operating or proposing to operate a program, any person, firm, or corporation whose application is rejected has a right to judicial review under Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, after notice and hearing, may deregister a program or course if it finds that the program or course has ceased to meet the conditions of approval.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any person, association, committee, or organization that operates an apprenticeship program that is deregistered by the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning may request a hearing before the United States Department of Labor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>After consulting the Council, the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, after notice and hearing, may adopt rules and regulations for the implementation of this section, including rules and regulations requiring the furnishing of periodic relevant information about approved and proposed programs and the operator or proposed operator of the approved or proposed programs.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any person, firm, or corporation that knowingly offers, establishes, maintains, or operates a program in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $1,000 or be imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>If recommended by the Council, the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction restraining violations of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning shall accord reciprocal approval to apprentices, apprenticeship programs, and standards that are registered in other states by the United States Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship or a registration agency, if reciprocity is requested by the apprenticeship program sponsor.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning may not accord reciprocal approval to a program sponsor that does not meet the wage and hour requirements and apprentice ratio standards of the reciprocal state.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before December 31 each year, the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the following information for the immediately preceding 5 calendar years:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the completion and enrollment rates of each apprenticeship program registered in the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the age, race, sex or gender identity, county of residence, and program enrollment of each individual enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the number of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>qualified intermediaries registered in the Registered Apprenticeship Qualified Intermediary Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>approved grants and procurements used by the Secretary under § 11–410(c)(3) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>newly registered apprentices and newly registered apprenticeship programs resulting from the Registered Apprenticeship Qualified Intermediary Program;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the number and value of the incentives awarded under the Maryland Pay Per Apprentice Program;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>worker outcomes for each registered apprenticeship program, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>job placement;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>post–apprenticeship wage rates; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>retention and advancement data; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>any corrective action, including requiring reimbursement of incentives, for failure to meet the requirements of the Maryland Pay Per Apprentice Program established under § 11–607 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning shall publish the report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection on the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning’s Web site.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-406" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall appoint a Director of Apprenticeship and Training.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Director of Apprenticeship and Training shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>have the responsibility of promoting apprenticeship; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>obtain the assistance of the Office of Apprenticeship, U.S. Department of Labor, and other federal and State agencies in promoting apprenticeships.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Director’s duties shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>encouragement and promotion of the standards established in accordance with this subtitle and with the basic standards of the Office of Apprenticeship, U.S. Department of Labor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>bringing about the settlement of differences arising out of apprenticeship programs and agreements when the differences cannot be adjusted locally or in accordance with established trade procedure;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>supervision of the execution of agreements and the maintenance of standards;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>registration of apprenticeship programs and agreements;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>keeping a record of apprenticeship agreements and programs, and upon performance thereunder issuing certificates of completion of apprenticeship;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>encouragement of liaison and cooperation between all private, State, and federal agencies concerned with apprenticeship, trade, and industrial training;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>promotion of public awareness of apprenticeship and other occupational training; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>keeping a record of the progress of apprenticeship and training programs initiated in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle and informing the Council and the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning periodically as to the results.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-407" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities"> <text>All apprenticeship and training programs established under this subtitle shall conform to the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Part 30, and any subsequent applicable provisions. In order to effectuate conformity with these provisions, a State plan shall be drafted which will indicate in detail evidence of consistency in the operation of the Maryland apprenticeship and training law with the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Part 30.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-408" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities"> <text>In order to ensure compliance with federal laws governing wages, hours, and working conditions, the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning will request recognition of its standards and activities by the Office of Apprenticeship, U.S. Department of Labor, and if necessary, make such adjustments in its standards and procedures as will ensure conformity.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-409" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Office” means the Maryland Office of Registered Apprenticeship Development.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Maryland Office of Registered Apprenticeship Development within the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program of the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Office is to scale registered apprenticeships across industries and occupations to meet the needs of the State’s economy.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program to cover administrative costs for the Office.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-410" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Director” means the Director of the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Program” means the Registered Apprenticeship Qualified Intermediary Program.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Qualified intermediary” means an entity that demonstrates expertise in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>connecting sponsors, employers, or potential apprenticeship program participants with registered apprenticeship programs;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>convening stakeholders to develop registered apprenticeship programs; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>other key functions as determined appropriate by the Department to successfully build and scale registered apprenticeship programs that achieve desired workforce outcomes.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Registered Apprenticeship Qualified Intermediary Program within the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program of the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Program shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>report to the Director;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>increase awareness of registered apprenticeship programs through industry outreach;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>connect employers and labor organizations with workforce and education partners;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>provide technical assistance to launch and expand registered apprenticeship programs with a focus on nontraditional sectors; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>include a process for monitoring and evaluating the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Director shall, in consultation with the Secretary, the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, the Registered Apprenticeship Development Advisory Board, and the Department of Commerce, develop the Program.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary may use grants or procurement, among other strategies, to advance and accomplish the goals of the Program.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-411" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Board” means the Registered Apprenticeship Development Advisory Board.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Office” means the Office of Registered Apprenticeship Development established under § 11–409 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Registered Apprenticeship Development Advisory Board in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the Board is to advise the Office on the strategy to achieve its mission of expanding registered apprenticeship opportunities in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board shall consist of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>one member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>one member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>two members designated by the President of the Maryland State and DC AFL–CIO;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>two members representing employers engaged in registered apprenticeships, appointed by the Governor; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>one member to serve as chair of the Board, appointed by the Governor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A member of the Board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not receive compensation as a member of the 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> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member is 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on October 1, 2025.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A vacancy shall be filled for an unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>At the end of the term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <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> <level label="f"> <text>The Board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>consult with the Office regularly about developing strategy and reviewing outcomes for apprenticeships;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide advice on programs operated by the Office; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>on or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2025, evaluate the Office and report the results of the evaluation to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-501" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Maryland Workforce Development Act"> <text>This subtitle may be referred to as the “Maryland Workforce Development Act”. </text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-502" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Maryland Workforce Development Act"> <level label="a"> <text>It is State policy to coordinate all the resources available from federal, State and local governments, business, labor, and community based organizations to foster and promote a balanced, equitable, and cost–effective employment and training system. To effectuate this policy there shall be consultation between the Governor and the General Assembly in implementing the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>It is the State’s goal to assist its citizens in obtaining gainful employment and in reducing dependence on public assistance and unemployment insurance programs by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>preparing unskilled youth and adults who are economically disadvantaged for entry into the work force;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>retraining those who have lost jobs or who must upgrade or replace their work skills or both; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>providing training and related services, including supportive services for low–income individuals, to increase the employability of those who encounter barriers to employment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>It is also the State’s goal to develop a well trained productive work force which meets the needs of a changing economy by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>developing and ensuring maximum utilization of timely statewide labor market information;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>linking employment and training services with economic development efforts;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>providing enhanced employment and training capabilities specially designed to meet the needs of business and industry, including industries that utilize advanced technology applications; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>encouraging and initiating innovative employment and training strategies.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-503" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Maryland Workforce Development Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the definitions set forth in § 3 of the federal Act shall apply; definitions set forth below shall have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Dislocated worker” means an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>has been terminated or laid off or has received a notice of termination or layoff from employment;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>is eligible for or has exhausted entitlement to unemployment compensation; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has been employed for a duration sufficient to demonstrate, to the appropriate entity at a one–stop center referred to in § 121(e) of the federal Act, attachment to the workforce, but is not eligible for unemployment compensation due to insufficient earnings or having performed services for an employer that were not covered under State unemployment compensation law; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>is unlikely to return to a previous industry or occupation;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has been terminated or laid off, or has received a notice of termination or layoff, from employment as a result of any permanent closure of, or any substantial layoff at, a plant, facility, or enterprise;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is employed at a facility at which the employer has made a general announcement that the facility will close within 180 days;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>for purposes of eligibility to receive services other than training services described in § 134(c)(3) of the federal Act, career services described in § 134(c)(2)(A)(xii) of the federal Act, or supportive services, is employed at a facility at which the employer has made a general announcement that the facility will close;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>was self–employed (including employment as a farmer, a rancher, or a fisherman) but is unemployed as a result of general economic conditions in the community in which the individual resides or because of natural disasters;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>is the spouse of an active service member and who has experienced a loss of employment as a direct result of relocation to accommodate a permanent change in duty station of the member; or</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>is the spouse of an active service member and who has been providing unpaid services to a family member in the home and is unemployed or underemployed and experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Federal Act” means the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Governor’s plan” means the State plan as provided in § 102 of the federal Act.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Individual with a disability” means any individual with a disability, as defined in § 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Local plan” means a plan submitted by a local workforce area under § 108 of the federal Act, subject to § 106(c)(3)(B) of the federal Act and any final plan or modification as provided in the federal Act.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Low–income individual” means an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>receives, has received in the past 6 months, or is a member of a family that is receiving or has received in the past 6 months, assistance through:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the federal Food and Nutrition Act;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the program of block grants to states for temporary assistance for needy families program under Part A of Title IV of the federal Social Security Act;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the supplemental security income program established under Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>State or local income–based public assistance;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is in a family with total family income that does not exceed or is an individual with a disability whose own income does not exceed the higher of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the federal Office of Management and Budget poverty income guidelines; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70% lower living standard income level;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is a homeless individual, as defined in § 41403(6) of the federal Violence Against Women Act;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>is a homeless child or youth, as defined in § 725(2) of the federal McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>receives or is eligible to receive a free or reduced price lunch under the federal Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>is a foster child on behalf of whom State or local government payments are made.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Participant” means an individual who has been determined eligible to participate in and who is receiving services (except follow–up services authorized under this title) under a program authorized under this title.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Performance standards” means the basic measures of performance for training programs to be prescribed by the Secretary and such variations of the standards as the Governor may prescribe.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Secretary” means the United States Secretary of Labor.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“State Workforce Development Board” means the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, as provided in § 101 of the federal Act.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Supportive services” means services such as transportation, child care, dependent care, housing, and needs–related payments that are necessary to enable an individual to participate in activities authorized under the federal Act.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Training provider” means an entity that provides training and employment services to individuals described in § 11–504(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <text>“Workforce development area” means a geographic area designated by the Governor in accordance with § 106 of the federal Act.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-504" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Maryland Workforce Development Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A workforce development program is established to implement the federal Act.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This program shall provide employment, training, supportive and related services to eligible job seekers, as defined in the federal Act, including individuals with barriers to employment, such as those who are low income or low–skilled, to allow individuals to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers needed to compete in the global economy.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, the State Department of Transportation shall issue to training providers weekly transit passes, in the form of magnetic passes or loaded smart cards, for local bus, light rail, or metro subway service provided by the Maryland Transit Administration.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The training providers shall provide the weekly transit passes issued under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph to individuals receiving employment and training services under the program established in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A training provider shall reimburse the Department of Transportation for the cost of transit passes provided to the training provider under this paragraph.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>To be eligible to receive transit passes under this paragraph, a training provider shall include in its contract with the local workforce development board or local workforce development agency a provision requiring reimbursement of the training provider for its costs under subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The County Commissioners of Carroll County may appropriate funds necessary to enter into contracts with private or public enterprises for the training or retraining of workers of those enterprises.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-505" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Maryland Workforce Development Act"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor’s Workforce Development Board is established and shall have the membership as provided in § 101 of the federal Act.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to subsection (a) of this section, the members of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board shall be appointed by the Governor for staggered terms set by the Governor by executive order.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To the extent practicable, the composition of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board shall reflect the race, gender, and geographic diversity of the population of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Governor’s Workforce Development Board shall be funded consistent with §§ 101 and 128 of the federal Act and shall have personnel and appropriations as are provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Governor’s Workforce Development Board shall perform the duties and functions identified in § 101 of the federal Act and other functions designated by the Governor as necessary to improve the quality of the State’s workforce.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Governor’s Workforce Development Board may adopt any rule or regulations necessary to carry out its powers and duties.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>As soon after January 1 of each year as reasonably possible, the Governor’s Workforce Development Board shall submit an annual report to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection and subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, a member shall be considered to have resigned if the member did not attend at least two–thirds of the Board meetings held during any consecutive 12–month period while the member was serving on the Board.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Governor may waive a member’s resignation and allow the member to continue serving if the member has been unable to attend meetings for reasons satisfactory to the Governor and the reasons are made public.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In accordance with § 8–501 of the State Government Article, the chair shall provide notice to the Governor and the Governor shall appoint a successor.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-506" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Maryland Workforce Development Act"> <text>In accordance with § 102 of the federal Act, the Governor shall submit to the Secretary a State plan that includes the workforce initiatives of State agencies and outlines a 4–year strategy for the statewide workforce development system of the State. The Governor’s plan shall include, but not be limited to, those items set forth in § 102 of the federal Act.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-507" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Maryland Workforce Development Act"> <level label="a"> <text>After receiving recommendations from the Governor’s Workforce Development Board regarding youth and adult discretionary allocations, as provided for in §§ 128 and 133 of the federal Act, the Governor shall allocate federal funds in accordance with §§ 128 and 133 of the federal Act, the State plan, and State budget procedures.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>After receiving recommendations from the Governor’s Workforce Development Board regarding the utilization of federal funds for reservations for State activities under §§ 128 and 133(a) of the federal Act, the Governor, except for funds reserved for State purposes, shall distribute the remainder to the workforce investment areas in accordance with §§ 128 and 133 of the federal Act, the State plan, and State budget procedures.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Governor may provide State funds in the budget to qualify for funds under the federal Act, and for other purposes to promote the workforce development system to implement § 11-508 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Funds provided under the federal Act shall only be used for activities which are in addition to those which would otherwise be available in the area in the absence of such funds.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Nothing in this section is intended to limit the ability of the State to use private resources and to contract with private or public entities to provide employment and training services or supportive services. �</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-508" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Maryland Workforce Development Act"> <text>To the extent that State funds become available and subject to the procedures in § 11–505(d) of this subtitle, after receiving recommendations from the Governor’s Workforce Development Board regarding the utilization of State funds to supplement federal funds for employment and training services, supportive services, and for related services such as training allowances and stipends, the Governor may allocate an amount for such purposes in accordance with State budget procedures.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-601" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “ACTION Program” means the Apprenticeship Career Training in Our Neighborhoods Program established under this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is an Apprenticeship Career Training in Our Neighborhoods Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purposes of the ACTION Program are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to develop a well–trained, productive construction workforce which meets the needs of the State’s economy;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>to encourage employers to hire apprentices in the construction industry; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>to help employers offset additional costs, if any, associated with hiring apprentices.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department shall administer the ACTION Program in partnership with local workforce development boards.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Local workforce development boards shall provide grants to employers that meet the requirements under paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An employer is eligible to receive a grant if the employer employs one or more apprentices who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>have been employed by the employer for at least 7 months;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>are engaged in a building or construction trade;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>are enrolled in the first year of an apprenticeship program registered with the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council under § 11–405(b) of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>live in a zip code in which the percentage of poverty is at least 20% as established by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, in the most recently released data.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>As provided in the State budget, the ACTION Program shall award grants to eligible employers.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly that, for fiscal year 2017 and each fiscal year thereafter, the State budget include an appropriation of at least $100,000 for the ACTION Program to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide grants to eligible employers; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>cover administrative costs.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out this section, including regulations to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>develop requirements for grant applications;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>develop a process for reviewing grant applications and awarding grants to eligible employers; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>determine a cap for the maximum amount of a grant that an eligible employer may receive each year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The amount of a grant awarded by the ACTION Program under subsection (e) of this section shall be based on the number of apprentices that an eligible employer employs who satisfy the criteria in subsection (d)(2) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>A grant shall consist of a maximum of $1,000 for each apprentice that an eligible employer employs who satisfies the criteria in subsection (d)(2) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-602" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Programs"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Local area” means the local workforce development areas established in this State under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Low income” means not more than 150% of the federal poverty level.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Program” means the Maryland Summer Youth Connection Program.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Summer” means the period beginning June 1 of each year and ending September 30 of each year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Maryland Summer Youth Connection Program in the Division.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to provide summer jobs for youth who are not less than 14 years of age and not more than 21 years of age.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Program priorities are to provide jobs for youth who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>are 14 years old and 15 years old;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>are from low-income families;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>have a disability;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>have a special need; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>otherwise encounter barriers in the labor market.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Director shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>make grants in furtherance of the Program objectives to fiscal agents for local areas in accordance with the allocation formulas established under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>adopt regulations to carry out the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>evaluate the performances of the local areas in carrying out the purposes of the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Under the Program, the local areas shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>develop meaningful and well supervised work experiences in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>public and private nonprofit, community-based sites; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>private for-profit sites, if the experiences developed in the private for-profit sites:</text> <level label="1"> <text>serve not more than 20% of the participants in the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>expose Program participants to occupations for which there is high demand in the labor market;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide activities to enhance job skills, including basic skills, computer skills, occupational skills, and basic employability skills;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>provide career-exposure activities, including field trips, guest speakers, job shadowing, aptitude and interest assessment, and college fairs;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>provide sufficient oversight and monitoring of work sites to ensure a quality experience for each participant;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>submit a plan to the Director detailing the local area’s plan for summer activities; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>submit an end-of-summer report.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A local area’s allowable Program costs may include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>wages paid to participants in the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the costs of supervision;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the costs of materials and supplies related to the work provided;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>reasonable transportation costs to, from, and around the work site;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>related training costs; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>reasonable administrative support costs, not exceeding 10% of the funding granted the local area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A participating youth shall be paid not less than the federal minimum wage for each hour worked.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-603" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Programs"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Law enforcement agency” means the police department of a county, municipal corporation, university in the State, or State agency.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Program” means the Public Safety Apprenticeship Program.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Public safety agency” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a correctional unit, as defined in § 2–401 of the Correctional Services Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a law enforcement agency; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a public safety agency, as defined in § 1–301 of the Public Safety Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Public Safety Apprenticeship Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purposes of the Program are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide young individuals opportunities to begin a career with a public safety agency;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>foster positive relationships between the public, particularly young individuals, and public safety agencies;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>develop a cohort of individuals qualified to join a public safety agency;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>encourage public safety agencies to hire apprentices; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>help public safety agencies offset additional costs, if any, associated with hiring apprentices.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Program shall consist of start–up grants and stabilization grants.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A public safety agency or a group of public safety agencies participating in the Program shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>develop a registered apprenticeship program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>establish a registered apprenticeship program that develops a career path that enables an individual to work in a public safety agency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>administer the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>award start–up and stabilization grants under the Program on a competitive basis to a public safety agency or a group of public safety agencies that meet the requirements of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Department may award:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a start–up grant not exceeding $200,000 to a public safety agency or a group of public safety agencies for development and launch of a public safety agency’s registered apprenticeship program under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a stabilization grant not exceeding $5,000 to a public safety agency or a group of public safety agencies on the initial enrollment of each apprentice in the public safety agency’s registered apprenticeship program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department may not award a start–up or stabilization grant under this section to a public safety agency or a group of public safety agencies that fail to bargain with the appropriate exclusive representative regarding any adjustments to wages, hours, or other terms and conditions of employment that are required for individuals to participate in the public safety agency’s registered apprenticeship program.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>For fiscal years 2021 through 2025, the Governor shall include in the State budget an appropriation of at least $750,000 for the Program to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide grants to eligible public safety agencies; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>cover the administrative costs of operating the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the State budget an appropriation of at least $390,000 for the Program to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide grants to eligible public safety agencies; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>cover the administrative costs of operating the Program.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out this section, including regulations to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>develop requirements for grant applications;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>develop a process for reviewing grant applications and awarding grants to eligible public safety agencies; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>determine the maximum amount that an eligible public safety agency or a group of public safety agencies may be awarded under the Program each fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-604" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Program” means the Apprenticeship Career Training Pilot Program for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is an Apprenticeship Career Training Pilot Program for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purposes of the Program are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to develop a well–trained, productive construction workforce which meets the needs of the State’s economy;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>to encourage employers to hire formerly incarcerated individuals in the construction industry; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>to help employers offset additional costs, if any, associated with hiring apprentices.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall administer the Program and provide grants on a competitive basis to employers that meet the requirements under paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An employer is eligible to receive a grant if the employer employs one or more formerly incarcerated apprentices who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>have been employed by the employer for at least 7 months;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>are engaged in a building or construction trade;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>are enrolled in the first year of an apprenticeship program registered with the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning under § 11–405(b) of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>live in Baltimore City or Dorchester County.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>As provided in the State budget, the Program shall award grants to eligible employers.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023, the Governor shall include in the annual State budget an appropriation of at least $100,000 for the Program to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide grants to eligible employers; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>cover administrative costs.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The amount of a grant awarded by the Program under subsection (e) of this section shall be based on the number of apprentices that an eligible employer employs who meet the description in subsection (d)(2) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A grant shall consist of a maximum of $1,000 for each apprentice that an eligible employer employs who meets the description in subsection (d)(2) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out this section, including regulations to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>develop requirements for grant applications;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>develop a process for reviewing grant applications and awarding grants to eligible employers; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>determine a cap for the maximum amount of a grant that an eligible employer may receive each year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>On or before September 30 each year, the Department shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the following information for the immediately preceding calendar year:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the number and types of employers that received grants under the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the grant amount received by each employer;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the total number of apprentices and number of apprentices by employer that participated in the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the progress in achieving the purposes of the Program specified under subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-605" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall develop a list of any federal or State incentive programs available to an employer who hires and trains formerly incarcerated individuals.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall make the list accessible on the main page of the Department’s website.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-606" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 485 OF 2022" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Programs"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Covered individual” means an individual who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>has been convicted of a criminal offense;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>has completed a term of imprisonment in federal prison or a State or local correctional facility; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is approved for release by a correctional facility for the purpose of participating in a training program; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>meets the offense eligibility requirements set forth in any applicable policy notice or other guidance issued by the Small Business Administration for the federal microloan program established under 15 U.S.C. § 636(m).</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Program” means the Maryland New Start Grant Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Maryland New Start Grant Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall administer the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to organizations to create or support existing entrepreneurship development programs to provide assistance to covered individuals.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>As provided in the budget, the Department shall make grants in accordance with this subsection to at least five eligible organizations.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>An organization may apply for a grant under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An organization may partner with another organization for purposes of applying for a grant under the Program and conducting entrepreneurial development programming.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An application for a grant under the Program shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>demonstrate strong community ties, including those with the covered individual community and local businesses;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>demonstrate an ability to provide a full range of entrepreneurial development programming on an ongoing basis;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>include a plan for reaching covered individuals, including by identifying particular target populations within the community;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>clearly define entrepreneurial development capabilities, including coordination with existing local resource partners of the Department for additional training as necessary;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>present an entrepreneurship development curriculum, which may be a nationally recognized model or based on a nationally recognized model;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>include a list of each partner organization; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>include a comprehensive plan for the use of grant funds, including estimates for administrative and outreach costs of running and evaluating the entrepreneurship development program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Department may provide specific additional eligibility and application requirements for a grant under the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An entrepreneurship development program for covered individuals implemented under the Program shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a business plan competition for imprisoned individuals;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>reentry services, including a work–readiness program;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>executive mentoring with local business owners;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>entrepreneurial training; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>in accordance with Title 5, Subtitle 19 of the Economic Development Article, access to financing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In determining whether to award a grant under the Program, the Department may give priority to an application submitted in accordance with subsection (c) of this section based on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>whether the application includes a commitment from an existing or new non–State funding source to meet the matching requirement under subsection (e) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>whether the application takes into account local economies and markets as a part of the educational component of the entrepreneurship development program; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the ability or plan of the applicant to provide entrepreneurial development services concurrent with employment or job training services.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>As a condition of a grant provided under the Program, the Department shall require the recipient of the grant to contribute an amount equal to 25% of the amount of the grant, obtained solely from existing or new non–State sources.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In addition to cash or other direct funding, the contribution required under paragraph (1) of this subsection may include indirect costs or in–kind contributions paid for under non–State programs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>In fiscal year 2024, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $200,000 for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In fiscal years 2025 through 2028, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $50,000 for the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department may not utilize more than 10% of the money appropriated for the Program for administrative costs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an organization awarded a grant by the Department under the Program shall submit an annual report to the Department on the use of grant funds received under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall contain, with respect to the entrepreneurship development program created or supported by the organization under the Program:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a list of other organizations, if any, with which the person has partnered to conduct an entrepreneurial development program;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the characteristics of covered individuals assisted under the entrepreneurship development program, including the race and ethnicity, gender, age, marital status, parental status, employment status, income, banking and credit history, and prior business experience of the individuals;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the participation and attendance rates for all components of the entrepreneurship development program;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the program retention rate;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the percentage of participants who have not been charged with a new criminal violation or a violation of a condition of parole or probation during the calendar year of the program;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>the level of the covered individuals’ understanding of business concepts and principles;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>the level of the covered individuals’ greater confidence in leadership strengths, including the results of an industry–recognized behavioral assessment;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>the progress made by covered individuals toward establishing a business;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>the experiences and perceptions of the covered individuals;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>the number and dollar amount of loans made to qualified covered individuals; and</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>any additional information that the Department may require.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>On or before January 1, 2029, the Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the funds included in the State budget and appropriated for the Program for each fiscal year during the life of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the services that grant recipients provided to covered individuals assisted under entrepreneurship development programs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>oversight of the Program by the Department, including policies and procedures for monitoring the compliance by grant recipients with Program requirements and an assessment of the effectiveness of the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the overall performance of the Program and the impacts of the Program on grant recipients.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-607" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Programs"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Employer” means an individual or organization located or operating in the State that employs a registered apprentice.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Fund” means the Maryland Pay Per Apprentice Program Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Program” means the Maryland Pay Per Apprentice Program.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Registered apprentice” means an employee who participates in a registered apprenticeship program.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Registered apprenticeship” means an apprenticeship program that is registered with, and approved by, the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>“Sponsor” means an individual, association, committee, organization, intermediary, or employer in whose name or title the registered apprenticeship program is or is to be registered.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Maryland Pay Per Apprentice Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purposes of the Program are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>develop a well–trained, productive workforce that meets the needs of the State’s economy; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>help employers and sponsors offset costs, including recruitment, education, training, and accommodations for disabilities or materials, associated with hiring newly registered apprentices.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall administer the Program and establish:</text> <level label="1"> <text>requirements for incentive applications;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a process for reviewing incentive applications and awarding incentives to eligible employers or sponsors;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the maximum award eligibility per newly registered apprentice subject to fund availability;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the maximum amount of incentives that an eligible employer or sponsor may receive each year; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>a process for monitoring and evaluating outcomes, assessing compliance, and taking corrective action, including requiring reimbursement of incentives, should an employer or sponsor fail to meet the requirements of the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Maryland Pay Per Apprentice Program Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to provide incentives under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>money appropriated to the Fund under paragraph (9) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>money collected due to noncompliance with Program requirements;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>interest earnings of the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Fund may be used only for providing incentives under the Program and administrative expenses related to the Program.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>For each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030, the Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to this subsection, an employer or a sponsor may apply for and be awarded an incentive under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An employer or a sponsor may apply for only one grant for a newly registered apprentice who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>has been employed for at least 7 months; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is within the initial year of employment with the applicant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An employer or a sponsor may be awarded only one grant per each newly registered apprentice per year.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>An employer or sponsor awarded a grant under the Program shall attest to its intent to retain an apprentice through the duration of the full apprenticeship and after completion of the apprenticeship, unless an apprentice leaves on the apprentice’s own accord or has been dismissed for cause.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If an incentive is awarded to an employer or a sponsor on behalf of a newly registered apprentice, another employer or sponsor may not apply for an incentive under the Program for the same newly registered apprentice.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to carry out this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-701" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Credential” means a recognized:</text> <level label="1"> <text>educational diploma;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>certificate or degree;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>occupational license;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>apprenticeship certificate;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>industry recognized certification; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>award for skills attainment and completion, issued by an approved training provider in the State or third–party credential provider.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“High–demand occupation” means an occupation that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>has a significant presence within target industries;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is in demand by employers; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>pays or leads to payment of a family sustaining wage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Identifiable skill” means the attainment of proficiency in a specific work–related skill that is likely to lead to future job advancement and improvement in an individual’s earning potential.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Job readiness training” means training for the purpose of assisting and supporting jobseekers in overcoming individual barriers to employment and developing the skills necessary to maintain employment and to qualify for skills training opportunities.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Job readiness training” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>occupational skills development;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>GED preparation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>literacy advancement;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>financial stability services, including financial coaching;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>credit counseling;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>transportation; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>child care.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Local board” means a local workforce development board established to administer services in a workforce development area established under Subtitle 5 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Maryland EARN Program” means the Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program created under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Strategic industry partnership” means a collaboration that brings together a regional group that may include employers, nonprofits, institutions of higher education, community colleges, local boards, local governments, or other relevant partners to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>identify common workforce needs for high–demand occupations within a target industry; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>develop and implement industry strategies to meet the common workforce needs and shortages based on regional needs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Target industry” means a group of employers closely linked by a common product or service, workforce skills, similar technologies, supply chains, or other economic ties.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-702" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “CTE Committee” means the Career and Technical Education Committee established under § 21–207 of the Education Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Maryland EARN Program is to create industry–led partnerships to advance the skills of the State’s workforce, grow the State’s economy, and increase sustainable employment for working families.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department, in consultation with the Department of Commerce, the CTE Committee, and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, shall establish and administer the Maryland EARN Program to provide grants on a competitive basis for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an approved strategic industry partnership for development of a plan consistent with the purpose of the Maryland EARN Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>workforce training programs and other qualified programs that provide industry valued skills training to individuals that result in a credential or identifiable skill consistent with an approved strategic industry partnership plan;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>job readiness training and skills training that results in a credential or an identifiable skill; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>collectively bargained, registered apprenticeships that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>are working to incorporate the apprenticeship’s curriculum into high school career and technical education programs;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>are working to ensure that community college credits are available for instruction provided by an apprenticeship sponsor; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>offer apprenticeships to high school students.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-703" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program"> <level label="a"> <text>An application for a strategic industry partnership grant under § 11–702(d) of this subtitle shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>evidence of shortages in skilled employment within the target industry over a sustained period of time;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a description of specific high–demand occupations or sets of occupations within the target industry; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the specifics of training programs that would result in individuals obtaining credentials or identifiable skills to facilitate their employment or advancement in the targeted industry; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>identify members participating in the strategic industry partnership and include identification of the target industry and the participating local board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Grants may be awarded for skills training consistent with an approved strategic industry partnership plan developed under § 11–702(c) of this subtitle to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>industries with identified positions and a demonstrated need for incumbent worker training that can be accessed by employees at their place of employment or other location;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>industries with an identified workforce shortage that will be seeking to hire individuals to train to meet a specific skill need;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a member of a strategic industry partnership that can provide job readiness training to qualified individuals directly or through accounts held at local boards on behalf of the individual; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>educational providers that offer training consistent with the goals of the plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The competitive grant process shall give priority to strategic industry partnerships that maximize the potential of the collaboration through direct financial or in–kind contributions by members of the target industry.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-704" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-705" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall monitor all grants provided under the Maryland EARN Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may require that all recipients of strategic industry partnership grants:</text> <level label="1"> <text>demonstrate an ability to collaborate successfully; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>include additional provisions in a grant proposal to ensure accountability.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department may revoke grant funding from a strategic industry partnership, workforce training program, or partnership member if goals consistent with a grant agreement approved by the Department are not met.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>To the extent practicable and consistent with relevant judicial opinions and statutory law, any intellectual property developed as a result of a grant awarded under the Maryland EARN Program shall remain in the public domain.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-706" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department, in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management, shall develop and implement a State employment advancement strategy.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State employment advancement strategy shall identify:</text> <level label="1"> <text>positions in State government in need of skilled employees; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>mechanisms to provide incumbent State employees with access to skills training programs that result in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>employment advancement resulting in title promotion or wage promotion; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the potential for future employment advancement as the result of obtaining a credential or identifiable skill.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-707" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program"> <text>The Department, in consultation with the Department of Commerce and the Department of Information Technology, shall develop a uniform and easily accessible statewide “Train Maryland” Web site promoting available training programs in the State, including those available under the Maryland EARN Program.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-708" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program"> <text>For fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Maryland EARN Program shall be funded as provided for in the State budget.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-708.1" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Clean Energy Workforce Account.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Account shall be funded from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund in accordance with § 9–20B–05(f)(10), (f–2), and (f–3) of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “clean energy industry” has the meaning stated in § 9–20B–01 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Account shall be used to provide grants to support workforce development programs that provide:</text> <level label="i"> <text>pre–apprenticeship jobs training;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>youth apprenticeship jobs training; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>registered apprenticeship jobs training.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A pre–apprenticeship jobs training program must:</text> <level label="i"> <text>be designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in an apprenticeship program registered by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>training and curriculum based on national best practices that prepare individuals with the skills and competencies to enter one or more State–registered or U.S. Department of Labor–registered apprenticeship programs that prepare workers for careers in the clean energy industry;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a documented strategy for increasing apprenticeship opportunities for unemployed and underemployed individuals, including:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>recruitment strategies to bring these individuals into the pre–apprenticeship jobs training program;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>educational and pre–vocational services to prepare program participants to meet the entry requirements of one or more registered apprenticeship programs;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>access to appropriate support services to enable program participants to maintain participation in the program; and</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>mechanisms to assist program participants in identifying and applying to registered apprenticeship programs; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>rigorous performance and evaluation methods to ensure program effectiveness and improvement; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>have a documented partnership with at least one registered apprenticeship program described in item (ii)2 of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Eligible clean energy industry jobs for a pre–apprenticeship jobs training program include positions in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>renewable energy;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>energy efficiency;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>energy storage;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>resource conservation; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>advanced transportation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>This paragraph applies to youth apprenticeship jobs training programs and registered apprenticeship jobs training programs supported by the Account under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An apprenticeship sponsor shall receive as a grant from the Account:</text> <level label="1"> <text>up to $150,000 for a program proposal and planning expenses; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>$3,000 for each successfully completed apprenticeship.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The youth apprenticeship jobs training programs and the registered apprenticeship jobs training programs:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall comply with:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>all rules and regulations for the establishment of a registered apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship standard for sponsorship; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>must prepare workers for careers in the energy efficiency, geothermal, solar, and wind sectors of the clean energy industry.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>This paragraph may not be construed to alter or amend the definition of “youth apprentice” or “registered apprentice” as defined by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council and approved by the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>In this subsection the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“American manufactured goods” means goods that are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>manufactured in the United States; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>assembled in the United States.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>“Assembled in the United States” means that the final production takes place at a facility within the United States, regardless of the origin of the components or subcomponents.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>“Manufactured in the United States” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>that all manufacturing processes take place within the United States; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>that all component parts and the manufacturing processes of the component parts originate from within the United States, regardless of the origin of the subcomponents.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A grant from the Account may be made only to a program that agrees to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>use or supply American manufactured goods; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>initiate a project labor agreement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection does not apply if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the price of the American manufactured goods exceeds the price of a similar manufactured good that is not manufactured in the United States by more than 25%;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the item or a similar item is not manufactured or available for purchase in the United States in reasonably available quantities;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the quality of the item or a similar item manufactured in the United States is substantially less than the quality of a comparably priced, similar, and available item that is not manufactured in the United States; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the procurement of a manufactured good would be inconsistent with the public interest.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Board of Public Works shall adopt regulations to define the following terms for the purposes of this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>“reasonably available”; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“substantially less”.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If a court or a federal or State agency determines that a program receiving money from the Account has misrepresented that goods used in a program to which paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection applies were manufactured or assembled in the United States, that program shall be ineligible to receive a grant from the Account for 5 years following the date that the court or federal or State agency makes the determination.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A program that receives a grant from the Account shall meet the requirements of the State prevailing wage law under Title 17, Subtitle 2 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-709" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before December 31 of each year, the Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Economic Matters Committee on the Maryland EARN Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The report required under subsection (a) of this section shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an identification of training needs statewide, including industries in urgent need of qualified workers;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>information on measures being used to track the success and accountability of the Maryland EARN Program, including use of the StateStat accountability process under § 3–1003(b) of the State Finance and Procurement Article;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>a description of each strategic industry partnership receiving grant funding and the status of the partnership; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the jurisdiction of the State in which each strategic industry partnership is located;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the number of individuals:</text> <level label="i"> <text>by sex, race, national origin, income, county of residence, and educational attainment, participating in each component of the Maryland EARN Program; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>participating in the Maryland EARN Program who, as a result of the Program, have obtained:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a credential or an identifiable skill;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a new employment position;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a title promotion; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a wage promotion;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>an assessment of whether and to what extent the approved strategic industry partnerships utilized existing data concerning:</text> <level label="i"> <text>training needs in the State identified in previous studies; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>applicable skills needs identified in existing workforce studies, plans, or research; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>information on the success of funding workforce development programs under § 11–708.1 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The information reported under subsection (b)(6) of this section shall contain specific information concerning the entities providing pre–apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and registered apprenticeship job training programs from the Clean Energy Workforce Account, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the name and location of each program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the populations targeted by each program;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the training and curriculum provided;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>program enrollment and graduation rates; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the number and types of placements achieved by trainees who complete each program.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-710" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the “Maryland EARN Program”.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-801" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Adult Education and Literacy Services"> <text>In this subtitle, “adult education” means academic instruction and education services below the postsecondary level for individuals:</text> <level label="1"> <text>who are at least 16 years old;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>who are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in high school under State law; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>are basic skills deficient;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>do not have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent and have not achieved an equivalent level of education; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>are English language learners.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-802" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Adult Education and Literacy Services"> <level label="a"> <text>There is an Adult Education and Literacy Services Office in the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning of the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Adult Education and Literacy Services Office shall be the sole agency in the State responsible for administering and supervising policy and funding for adult education and literacy.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-803" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Adult Education and Literacy Services"> <text>The Adult Education and Literacy Services Office, with the approval of the Secretary, may adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-804" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Adult Education and Literacy Services"> <text>The Department shall be responsible for the development of the components of the State plan required to be submitted under federal law to carry out adult education and literacy services.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-805" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Adult Education and Literacy Services"> <text>The purpose of adult education and literacy services is to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>assist adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self–sufficiency;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>assist adults who are parents or family members to obtain the education and skills necessary:</text> <level label="i"> <text>to become full partners in the educational development of their children; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>to lead to sustainable improvements in the economic opportunities for their family;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>assist adults in attaining a secondary school diploma and in the transition to postsecondary education and training, including through career pathways; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>assist immigrants and other individuals who are English language learners by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>improving their English language proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>improving mathematics skills; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>acquiring an understanding of the American system of government, individual freedom, and the responsibilities of citizenship.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-806" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Adult Education and Literacy Services"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Adult Education and Literacy Services Office shall distribute competitive grants for adult education and literacy services in accordance with the State plan for services required under the authorizing federal law for adult education and literacy services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The grants distributed under this section shall be based on need and performance.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Grants under this section may be used for adult education and literacy services, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>basic skills instruction;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>preparation and instruction for obtaining a high school diploma by examination under § 11–808 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the National External Diploma Program under § 11–807 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Workplace Literacy Services and workforce preparation activities;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>English for speakers of other languages and integrated English literacy and civics education;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>family literacy;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>literacy instruction; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>integrated education and training.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Funding for the competitive grants under this section shall be as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before August 1 each year, the Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>compile a list by county of adult education and literacy services grant recipients for adult education and literacy services offered to the public;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>distribute the list to the county board and county superintendent or chief executive officer of each local school system in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>post the list on its public website.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-807" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Adult Education and Literacy Services"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Program” means the National External Diploma Program adopted under regulations by the Secretary in consultation with the State Board of Education.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department and the State Board of Education recognize demonstrated competencies in adults, whether or not those competencies were acquired in a formal school setting.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In response to its recognition of competencies, the Department shall provide alternative requirements and methods of obtaining a Maryland high school diploma.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department and the State Board of Education shall award diplomas to the individuals meeting the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>For each fiscal year the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill submitted to the General Assembly, including any proposed supplemental budget, a General Fund appropriation for the Program in an amount not less than the amount of the Governor’s General Fund appropriation for the Program in fiscal year 2006.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In each annual budget, the Governor shall include federal funds, to the extent available, for the Program in an amount not less than the amount of the Governor’s federal fund appropriation for the Program in fiscal year 2006.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-808" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Adult Education and Literacy Services"> <level label="a"> <text>An individual may obtain a high school diploma by examination as provided in this section if the individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>has not obtained a high school diploma;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>resides in this State; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>except as provided in subsection (b) of this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is not subject to compulsory school attendance under § 7–301 of the Education Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>has withdrawn from a regular full–time public or private school program.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual is not subject to the requirements of subsection (a)(3) of this section if the individual participates in a GED Option Program administered by the State Department of Education that creates a pathway to a high school diploma by examination for currently enrolled high school English language learner students under the age of 21 years who have experienced interrupted education and have a lower level of English proficiency than their peers.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>offer examinations to individuals who are pursuing a high school diploma under this subtitle at least twice each year at places throughout the State that are reasonably convenient for the applicants; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>allow an individual to choose to take all components of the examination in either English or Spanish.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The examination shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be offered in appropriate high school subject areas; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>be of a comprehensive nature as determined by the State Board of Education.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An individual who fails an examination may repeat taking the examination.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A current member of the armed forces is exempt from the residency requirement in subsection (a)(2) of this section and may earn a Maryland high school diploma by achieving a passing score on the examination offered under subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The diploma shall be awarded in accordance with the regulations adopted by the Secretary and the State Board of Education.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-809" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Adult Education and Literacy Services"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “homeless youth” has the same meaning as provided in the federal McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual is exempt from paying GED testing fees if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the individual is a homeless youth;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the individual has had a consistent presence in the State for at least 1 year before the individual applies to take the GED test, as evidenced by school, employment, or other records; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Department verifies that the individual is a homeless youth.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department may use the following individuals to verify that an individual is a homeless youth:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a homeless liaison from a local school system that the individual attended;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a director or a designee of the director of a program in the State funded under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a director or a designee of the director of a program in the State funded under Title IV, Subtitle B of the McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to implement the requirements of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-810" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Adult Education and Literacy Services"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “MDiplomaWorks pathway” means an alternative pathway to earn a high school diploma in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The MDiplomaWorks pathway is a method to recognize and certify high school diploma achievement through demonstrated academic and career competencies, including workforce experience.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An individual may obtain a high school diploma through the MDiplomaWorks pathway if the individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>has not obtained a high school diploma;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>resides in the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is not subject to the compulsory school attendance requirement under § 7–301 of the Education Article; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>has withdrawn from a regular full–time public or private school program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>To earn a high school diploma through the MDiplomaWorks pathway, an individual shall demonstrate equivalency to a Maryland high school diploma by completion of a combination of the following components as approved by the Department:</text> <level label="1"> <text>earning industry–recognized credentials;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>demonstrating foundational academic skills through formal assessments;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>completing career and technical education coursework; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>completing an on–the–job learning experience.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A high school diploma shall be awarded to an individual who completes the MDiplomaWorks pathway in accordance with the regulations adopted by the Secretary and the State Board of Education.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-901" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Correctional Institutions"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Correctional Education Council under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council consists of 14 members.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Four of the members of the Council shall be residents of this State appointed by the Governor for a term of 4 years who each shall serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>two representing the business community;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a former offender; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>one member of the general public.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The following officials shall serve ex officio:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Secretary of Labor;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the State Superintendent of Schools, or the State Superintendent’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the Secretary of Higher Education, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>the president of a community college in the State, or the president’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>the Chair of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, or the Chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>the Director of Education and Workforce Skills Training for Correctional Institutions, or the Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>an official from a local correctional facility, or the official’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>the county superintendent of schools from a county where a correctional institution of the Division of Correction is located, who shall be selected by the State Superintendent, or the county superintendent’s designee.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each member of the Council:</text> <level label="1"> <text>serves without compensation; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is entitled to reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Secretary shall serve as cochairs of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council:</text> <level label="i"> <text>shall meet at least four times per year;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall designate the time and place of its meetings; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>may adopt rules for the conduct of its meetings.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Council shall be within the Department for administrative and budgetary purposes.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department shall provide technical and clerical assistance and support to the Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection and subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, a member shall be considered to have resigned who has been appointed to the Council by the Governor if the member did not attend at least two–thirds of the Council meetings held during any consecutive 12–month period while the member was serving on the Council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Governor may waive a member’s resignation and allow the member to continue serving if the member has been unable to attend meetings for reasons satisfactory to the Governor and the reasons are made public.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In accordance with § 8–501 of the State Government Article, the cochairs shall provide notice to the Governor and the Governor shall appoint a successor.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-902" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Correctional Institutions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Correctional Education Council shall develop and recommend an educational and workforce training program for each correctional institution in the Division of Correction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The programs shall meet the special needs and circumstances of the incarcerated individuals in each correctional institution.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the Justice Reinvestment Oversight Board makes a funding recommendation under § 9–3207(b)(6) of the State Government Article, a post–secondary education and workforce training program, in accordance with the funding recommendation, shall provide incarcerated individuals with the requisite training, certifications, and experience to obtain careers in in–demand job sectors.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council shall adopt regulations for all correctional institutions in the Division of Correction for the implementation of a mandatory education program for all incarcerated individuals who fail to attain a minimum educational standard as set forth in this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The regulations adopted by the Council shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>require that the educational standard shall be the attainment of a General Educational Development (GED) diploma or a verified high school diploma;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>apply only to any incarcerated individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>was received by the Division of Correction after July 1, 1987;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has 18 months or more remaining to be served before a mandatory supervision release date;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is not exempted due to a medical, developmental, or learning disability; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>does not possess a General Educational Development (GED) diploma or a verified high school diploma; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>require any incarcerated individual who is not exempted under item (ii)3 of this paragraph to participate in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the mandatory education program for at least 240 calendar days; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a workforce skills training program.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Division of Correction shall report to the Parole Commission the academic progress of an incarcerated individual in the mandatory education program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council shall adopt regulations for all correctional institutions in the Division of Correction for the implementation of a mandatory workforce skills training program for all incarcerated individuals as provided in this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The regulations shall apply only to an incarcerated individual who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>has 18 months or more remaining to be served before a mandatory supervision release date; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is not exempted due to a medical, developmental, or learning disability.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Division of Correction shall report to the Parole Commission the academic progress of an incarcerated individual in the mandatory workforce skills training program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On or before October 30 of each year, the Council shall report its activities to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Council shall actively advocate and promote the interests of educational programs and workforce skills training opportunities in correctional institutions.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Council shall seek to ensure that a quality education, equal educational opportunity, and workforce skills training are available to all incarcerated individuals at correctional institutions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council, on a regular basis, shall review the educational and workforce skills training programs at correctional institutions to ensure that the unique educational and training needs of the populations of the correctional institutions are being satisfactorily met.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Council shall include in its review:</text> <level label="i"> <text>curriculum guides;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>courses of study;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>resource materials;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>textbooks;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>supplementary readers;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>materials of instruction;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>visual and auditory aids;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>supplies;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>teacher performance; and</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>other teaching aids.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Based on its review, the Council shall recommend and advocate improvements to the educational and workforce skills training programs at correctional institutions.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-903" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Correctional Institutions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department is responsible for the provision of education and workforce skills training programs in the adult correctional institutions in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary shall appoint a Director of Education and Workforce Skills Training for Correctional Institutions.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Director shall receive the salary provided in the budget of the Department.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Director shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>implement and operate the educational and workforce skills training programs developed by the Council in the correctional institutions;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>meet with and advise the Council about the programs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>consult with the Commissioner of Correction and the warden of each institution about the operation of the programs; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>set qualification standards for teachers in workforce skills training programs who are employed by the Department that are similar to the standards for teachers providing CTE instruction in accordance with § 7–205.1 of the Education Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, each teacher in an educational and workforce skills training program who is employed by the Department is in the professional service in the State Personnel Management System.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-904" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Correctional Institutions"> <text>In this subtitle, “federal acts” means the Acts of Congress that authorize funding for education, library services, and workforce development training for incarcerated individuals in adult correctional facilities, and any amendments to those acts.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-905" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Correctional Institutions"> <level label="a"> <text>The State of Maryland assents to the federal acts.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State Treasurer shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be the custodian of any money received under the federal acts; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>disburse this money in accordance with the federal acts.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Maryland Department of Labor and the State Board of Education, as appropriate, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>cooperate with the appropriate federal agencies in administering the federal acts;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>do anything necessary to secure the benefits of the federal acts;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>facilitate the transfer of funds to the appropriate operational agency; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>represent this State in all matters relating to the administration of the federal acts.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-906" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Correctional Institutions"> <level label="a"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, Patuxent Institution is a correctional institution within the Division of Correction and under the jurisdiction of the Correctional Education Council for the funding of educational and workforce skills training programs only.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Funds for the operation of the educational and workforce skills training programs in correctional institutions shall be provided in the budget of the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and other State agencies may contribute to the programs identified under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Funds appropriated for educational and workforce skills training programs in correctional institutions may not be diverted by budget amendment or otherwise to any other purpose.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-907" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Correctional Institutions"> <text>This subtitle does not affect the provisions of law relating to the powers, duties, and authority of the State Board of Education, the State Superintendent of Schools, the Maryland Higher Education Commission, or the Secretary of Higher Education.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1301" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Construction Education and Innovation Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Center” means the Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Fund” means the Construction Education and Innovation Fund.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1302" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Construction Education and Innovation Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Construction Education and Innovation Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Center shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing revolving fund that is not subject to § 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 in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>money made available to the Fund through federal programs or private contributions;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>money derived by the Center; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>any other money made available to the Center for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>For fiscal year 2018 through fiscal year 2024, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to the Fund of $250,000 to support the operation of the Center.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For fiscal year 2025 through fiscal year 2029, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to the Fund of $531,250 to support the operation of the Center.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Fund may be used only to support the purposes of the Center.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Treasurer shall invest money in the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be paid into the Fund.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1401" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Direct care worker” means an individual whose occupation is classified under the 2018 Standard Occupational Classifications of the U.S. Department of Labor as:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a home health aide (31–1121);</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a personal aide (31–1122);</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a nursing assistant (31–1131); or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a psychiatric aide (31–1133).</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Direct care worker” includes a geriatric nursing assistant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Division” means the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Eligible entity” means a nonprofit organization, a labor organization, an employer of direct care workers, or an entity with shared labor–management oversight:</text> <level label="1"> <text>with an established record of recruiting or providing training to direct care workers; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>that establishes a training program in consultation with an organization with an established record of providing training to direct care workers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Program” means the Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1402" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program in the Division.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Division shall administer the Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Division may adopt regulations to implement this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1403" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to provide matching grants to eligible entities to create and expand on successful recruitment and retention strategies that address the range of potential barriers to increasing the number of direct care workers.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The goal of the Program is to ensure the availability of trained direct care workers across the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1404" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Each year, the Division shall issue a request for applications from eligible entities for matching grants offered under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To receive a matching grant under the Program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Division with the entity’s application a project plan for each project to be developed and carried out, or for activities to be continued, with the grant.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A project plan submitted by an eligible entity under subsection (b) of this section shall include a description of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>current or projected job openings for, or relevant labor market information related to, direct care workers in the region to be served by the project, and the geographic scope of the workforce to be served by the project;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>specific efforts and strategies that the project will undertake to reduce barriers to the recruitment, retention, or advancement of direct care workers;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>if applicable, any other innovative models or processes the eligible entity will implement to support the retention of direct care workers;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the supportive services and benefits to be provided to direct care workers to support the retention of direct care workers;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>how the eligible entity will make use of career planning to support the identification of advancement opportunities and career pathways for direct care workers in the region to be served by the project;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>how the eligible entity will collect and submit to the Division workforce data and outcomes of the project;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>an assurance that any benefit or service provided under the project will be provided at no cost to direct care workers or individuals assisted by direct care workers;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>how the eligible entity will consult with direct care workers, representatives of direct care workers, individuals assisted by direct care workers, and the families of individuals assisted by direct care workers throughout the project;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>the methods the eligible entity will use to inform participants in the project about their rights as direct care workers; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>outreach efforts to individuals for participation in the project, including targeted outreach efforts to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>individuals who are recipients of, or eligible for, assistance under a State program funded under Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>individuals who have barriers to employment.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1405" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In evaluating the applications submitted in accordance with § 11–1404 of this subtitle and selecting eligible entities to receive a matching grant under the Program, the Division shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>seek equitable geographic and demographic diversity, including rural and urban areas;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>ensure that selected eligible entities will serve areas where direct care, or a related occupation, is an in–demand industry sector or occupation; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>give priority to eligible entities proposing to predominately serve the individuals described under § 11–1404(c)(10)(i) and (ii) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An eligible entity shall secure contributions for the project in an amount of money or other consideration at least equal in value to the amount of money requested from the Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Division may not award a matching grant to an eligible entity that exceeds $50,000 each year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Division receives applications for matching grants totaling more than the amount of funds appropriated for the Program for a fiscal year, the Division shall award the grants on a pro rata basis.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Division shall encourage each eligible entity receiving a matching grant under the Program, in developing and carrying out a project, to consult with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>institutions of higher education;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Maryland Department of Health;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>local workforce development boards; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>organizations with expertise in the needs of women, racial minorities, immigrants, and the impoverished.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An eligible entity that carries out activities for purposes of recruiting, retaining, or providing advancement opportunities to direct care workers before receipt of a matching grant under the Program may use the grant to continue carrying out those activities.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A matching grant awarded under the Program shall be valid for at least 3 years.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>An eligible entity receiving a matching grant under the Program shall use the funds to carry out at least one project or to continue an activity commenced before receipt of the grant that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>develops and implements a strategy for the recruitment, retention, or advancement of direct care workers that includes an activity described in the eligible entity’s application; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provides compensation to each direct care worker for any training received under the project or activity.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>An eligible entity receiving a matching grant under the Program may use not more than 10% of the funds of the grant for costs associated with the administration of a project under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An eligible entity receiving a matching grant under the Program shall use at least 5% of the funds of the grant to provide direct financial assistance, such as supportive services, to direct care workers to support the financial needs of the direct care workers to enter, remain enrolled in, and complete the project assisted by the grant.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An eligible entity receiving a matching grant under the Program shall use the grant to supplement, and not supplant, the amount of funds that, in the absence of the grant, would be available to address the recruitment, retention, or advancement of direct care workers in the region served by the eligible entity.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1406" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $250,000 for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Appropriations and expenditures made for the purpose of implementing the Program, including the use of any funds received by a person under any component of the Program, are subject to audit by the Office of Legislative Audits as provided in § 2–1220 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1407" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program"> <text>On or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2022, the Division shall report to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the number of individuals served by each project or activity assisted by a matching grant under the Program, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the number of individuals recruited to be employed as direct care workers; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the number of individuals who attained employment as direct care workers;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the number of individuals or families assisted by direct care workers under the Program;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>services, benefits, or support provided to assist in the recruitment, retention, or advancement of direct care workers, the number of individuals who accessed the services, benefits, or support, and the impact of the services, benefits, and support;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>how each project assessed the satisfaction of the direct care workers assisted by the project, individuals receiving services delivered by the direct care workers, and employers of the direct care workers;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the performance of each eligible entity receiving a grant under the Program with respect to the indicators of performance on unsubsidized employment, median earnings, credential attainment, measurable skill gains, and employer satisfaction; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>any other information with respect to outcomes of the projects.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1501" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Career Pathways for Health Care Workers Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Division” means the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Eligible employer” means a hospital or related institution as those terms are defined in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Health care worker” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a worker licensed or certified under Title 8 of the Health Occupations Article; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any other individual employed by an eligible employer who provides personal care, assistance, or treatment services directly to patients or residents in the course of the worker’s regular duties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“HBCU” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Bowie State University;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Coppin State University;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Morgan State University; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Program” means the Career Pathways for Health Care Workers Program.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Training program” means a training program provided for health care workers by an HBCU or a community college.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1502" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Career Pathways for Health Care Workers Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Career Pathways for Health Care Workers Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Division shall administer the Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Division may adopt regulations to implement the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1503" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Career Pathways for Health Care Workers Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to provide matching grants to eligible employers that pay for training programs attended by health care workers.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The goal of the Program is to provide increased opportunities for health care workers to receive training across the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1504" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Career Pathways for Health Care Workers Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Each year, the Division shall issue a request for applications from eligible employers for matching grants offered under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To receive a matching grant under the Program, an eligible employer shall submit to the Division an application which shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a list of training programs that health care workers have requested to attend during the immediately following calendar year;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a list of training programs that a participating eligible employer has identified based on current labor market needs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the cost of any training programs that health care workers have attended during the immediately preceding calendar year and for which the eligible employer agreed to pay;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>sufficient detail about a training program to allow the Division to ensure that the training program meets the requirements of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>an assurance that the training program shall be provided at no cost to a health care worker.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1505" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Career Pathways for Health Care Workers Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In evaluating the applications submitted under § 11–1504 of this subtitle and selecting eligible employers to receive a matching grant under the Program, the Division shall secure matching cash contributions or other consideration for training programs during the immediately following calendar year in an amount at least equal in value to the amount requested from the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Division may not award a matching grant that exceeds $50,000 each year to an eligible employer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Division received applications for matching grants totaling more than the amount of funds appropriated for the Program for a fiscal year, the Division shall award the grants on a pro rata basis.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A matching grant awarded under the Program shall be valid for 1 calendar year.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An eligible employer receiving a matching grant under the Program shall use the grant to supplement, and not supplant, the amount of funds that, in the absence of the grant, would be available to pay for the training programs to be attended by health care workers during the immediately following calendar year.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An eligible employer receiving a grant under the Program shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide to each health care worker who is considering enrolling in a training program information relating to the wage increase required to be provided under item (2) of this subsection to health care workers on completion of a training program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide a wage increase that is commensurate with current labor market trends to a health care worker who completes and receives a certification for a training program for which a grant has been awarded under the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>If an eligible employer and an employee organization or union bargain collectively to create a training and upgrading fund that provides educational and job training programs and benefits health care workers, any grant money for an employee who is a member of a bargaining unit awarded to the employer under the Program shall pass through the fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The training and upgrading fund shall report to the Division, in the manner specified by the Division, when grant money is expended by the training and upgrading fund.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1506" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Career Pathways for Health Care Workers Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Through fiscal year 2024, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $1,000,000 for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For fiscal years 2025 and 2026, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $500,000 for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $350,000 for the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Appropriations and expenditures made for the purpose of implementing the Program, including the use of any funds received by a person under any component of the Program, are subject to audit by the Office of Legislative Audits as provided in § 2–1220 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1507" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Career Pathways for Health Care Workers Program"> <text>On or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2023, the Division shall report to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the amount of grant funds provided to eligible employers for training programs during the reporting period;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the number of health care workers who attended training programs for which grant funds were used during the reporting period; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the HBCUs or community colleges which provided training programs to health care workers and for which grant funds were used during the reporting period.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1601" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Talent Innovation Program and Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Board” means the Governor’s Workforce Development Board.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Division” means the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Fund” means the Talent Innovation Fund.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Program” means the Talent Innovation Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1602" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Talent Innovation Program and Fund"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Talent Innovation Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Division and the Board shall jointly administer the Program.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to increase access to high–quality job training by using innovative and sustainable talent financing mechanisms to help meet skill needs in the State’s prominent and emerging industry sectors, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>cybersecurity;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>health care;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>biotechnology;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>manufacturing; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>artificial intelligence.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Program may conduct pilots, convene key stakeholders, and conduct research to develop and support new talent financing approaches.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Program shall establish an initial pilot program that focuses on the cybersecurity sector by supporting job training through expansion of regional cyber ranges, which is a recognized method for developing talent and meeting the skill needs of the cybersecurity industry.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1603" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Talent Innovation Program and Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Talent Innovation Fund in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to support the Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 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="e"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>grants and donations to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>interest earnings of the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>any money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Department may use the Fund to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide grants:</text> <level label="i"> <text>to entities, including employers, institutions of higher education, tax exempt organizations, public agencies, local workforce development boards, and registered apprenticeship sponsors, and residents of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for costs including support services, subsidized wages, grantees’ administrative costs, and training;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide matching funds to secure donations or grants to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>provide funding for the Program and other talent finance mechanisms approved by the Division and the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>pay expenses for administrative, actuarial, legal, and technical services for the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Money expended from the Fund for talent innovation fund programs is supplemental to and is not intended to take the place of funding that otherwise would be appropriated for workforce development programs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1604" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Talent Innovation Program and Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before January 1 each year, beginning in 2025, the Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates on Program activities and use of the Fund.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1701" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Cyber Maryland Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Board” means the Cyber Maryland Board.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Fund” means the Cyber Maryland Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Program” means the Cyber Maryland Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1702" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Cyber Maryland Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Cyber Maryland Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purposes of the Program are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>create and execute a talent pipeline that materially reduces workforce vacancies by July 1, 2026;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>serve as a one–stop shop for employers seeking to leverage cyber workforce development programs offered by the State and its partners;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>inform cybersecurity training and education programs operated by public or private entities with industry–driven needs;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>build the most advanced local and State information technology workforce in the nation, which, to the maximum extent possible, reflects the racial, gender, ethnic, and geographic diversity of the State;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>coordinate and accelerate cybersecurity research and innovation in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>support the efforts of the Department of Information Technology to improve the State government’s cybersecurity posture, including State agencies, local government units, and critical infrastructure.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Program shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>conduct ongoing research by collaborating with the Cybersecurity Association, Inc., Cybersecurity Talent Advisory Board to collect and analyze real–time industry data to identify cybersecurity workforce needs as described in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Talent Pipeline Management Approach;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>use the results of the research described in item (1) of this subsection to increase the effectiveness of existing State cybersecurity workforce programs for employers in the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>facilitate partnerships for new training and education programs to address the workforce needs identified under item (1) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>develop a statewide strategic plan for cybersecurity workforce development, using the results of the research described in item (1) of this subsection and with input from the Cybersecurity Association, Inc., Cybersecurity Talent Advisory Board on or before December 1, 2023;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>develop, promote, support, and invest in talent improvement strategies, such as strategies that leverage the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Talent Pipeline Management Approach; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>ensure that outcomes of the Program are inclusive and, to the maximum extent practicable, reflect the racial, gender, ethnic, and geographic diversity of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the Program, in consultation with the Board, shall award competitive grants or contracts to enhance cybersecurity workforce development, including cybersecurity for operational technology.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1703" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Cyber Maryland Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Cyber Maryland Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purposes of the Fund are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>achieve the purposes identified under § 11–1702(b) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>support innovative approaches to meeting cybersecurity workforce needs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Fund may be used only for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>administrative expenses of the Program, including hiring staff in accordance with the State budget and hiring consultants and other professionals as necessary to implement, maintain, and administer the Program and the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>providing grants to elementary and secondary schools, institutions of higher education, including community colleges, employers, including for–profit corporations, nonprofit organizations, registered apprenticeship sponsors, local workforce boards, industry associations, labor unions, local governments, local or regional economic development entities, and other relevant partner entities at the Department’s discretion to operate cybersecurity programs based on the strategic plan of the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Department shall adopt standards to award grants under this section.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>For fiscal year 2026, the Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $3,100,000 for the Fund to be used for the awarding of grants and contracts under § 11–1702(d) of this subtitle aligned with the strategy of and approved by the Board.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation sufficient to run the Program.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Program shall seek alternate funding sources to include cost–sharing or cost–matching agreements from sources other than the State, including the federal government, the private sector, and philanthropy, to supplement the money appropriated to the Fund under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>Subject to the availability of funding, for fiscal year 2025 and each year thereafter, $250,000 of the Fund shall be used for implementing the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Talent Pipeline Management Approach.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>The Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation in an amount sufficient for the Program, including to hire sufficient staff to carry out its duties.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1704" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Cyber Maryland Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Cyber Maryland Board.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board consists of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Senate and House of Delegates cochairs of the Joint Committee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Biotechnology;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the Maryland Secretary of Veterans and Military Families, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the Secretary of Information Technology, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the Secretary of Higher Education, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>the State Superintendent of Schools, or the Superintendent’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Cybersecurity Association, Inc., or the Chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>the Chair of the Maryland Workforce Association, or the Chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>the Adjutant General, or the Adjutant General’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>the Chief Executive Officer of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), or the Chief Executive Officer’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>the following members, appointed by the Governor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>five members from the private sector with cybersecurity needs;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>one representative from a nonprofit organization with expertise in cybersecurity talent development;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>one representative from a community college;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>one representative from a 4–year, public HBCU college; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>one representative from a 4–year, public college.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the members of the Board shall elect a chair from among the members of the Board.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The chair may not be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a State employee; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Chief Executive Officer of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO).</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide input regarding the development of the statewide cybersecurity workforce development strategic plan required under § 11–1702(c)(4) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>assist the Program with stakeholder outreach and engagement;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>help the Program explore synergies where appropriate with cybersecurity workforce development efforts by regional and county workforce development entities;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>coordinate as necessary with the Department of Commerce and the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>provide other advice and support for the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A member of the Board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not receive compensation as a member of the 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> <level label="f"> <text>To the extent practicable, the membership of the Board shall reflect the racial, gender, age, and geographic diversity of the State.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Board shall adopt bylaws that establish staggered terms for the members of the Board and procedures governing vacancies in membership.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="11-1705" title_number="11" title_name="Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Cyber Maryland Program"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2026, the Program, in conjunction with the Department, shall submit a report on the operation and performance of the Program to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The report required under subsection (a) of this section shall include key performance metrics established by the Department that are aligned with the State strategy and goals for the Program and the progress of the Program against those metrics.</text> </level> </section>