In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Covered individual” means a defendant tenant of a residential rental property in a failure to pay rent case filed under § 8–401 of this title. “Designated organization” means the fiscal and administrative agent of a county’s local workforce development board. “Pilot Program” means the Rent Court Workforce Solutions Pilot Program.

This subtitle applies only in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.

There is a Rent Court Workforce Solutions Pilot Program. The purpose of the Pilot Program is to provide covered individuals with: Workforce resources; and Information on: Workforce development; and Registered apprenticeships and other employment opportunities. A designated organization shall administer the Pilot Program.

The District Court may allow at least one representative from a designated organization to operate in a District Court courthouse on days on which cases filed for a failure to pay rent under § 8–401 of this title are heard. The operation of a designated organization in a District Court courthouse shall be governed by a memorandum of understanding signed by a representative of the designated organization and the administrative judge for the applicable District Court. Nothing in this subtitle may be construed to require the District Court to allow a representative from a designated organization to operate within a courtroom.

On or before January 1, 2026, and each January 1 thereafter, a designated organization shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the number of individuals that were connected to workforce development programs or employment opportunities through the Pilot Program.

For each of fiscal years 2026 through 2028, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of: $100,000 to the designated organization for Montgomery County to be used for the Pilot Program; and $100,000 to the designated organization for Prince George’s County to be used for the Pilot Program.