reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 4 - Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities › Section 11-403 - Apprenticeship and Training Council -- Creation; Part of Department; Appointment and Qualifications of Members; Representation of Minorities; Chairman; Consultants; Terms

(a)    The Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning is the designated State Apprenticeship Agency under Title 29, C.F.R. Parts 29 and 30.
(b)    (1)    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.
(2)    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.
(3)    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. 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.
(4)    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.
(5)    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.
(6)    The Governor, with the advice of the Secretary may appoint up to three additional consultants to the Council from the public at large.
(c)    All appointments as members of the Council shall be for terms of 4 years.
(d)    (1)    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.
(2)    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.
(3)    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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 4 - Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities › Section 11-404 - Apprenticeship and Training Council -- per Diem; Expenses; Secretary

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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 4 - Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities › Section 11-406 - Director of Apprenticeship and Training

(a)    The Secretary shall appoint a Director of Apprenticeship and Training.
(b)    The Director of Apprenticeship and Training shall:
(1)    have the responsibility of promoting apprenticeship; and
(2)    obtain the assistance of the Office of Apprenticeship, U.S. Department of Labor, and other federal and State agencies in promoting apprenticeships.
(c)    The Director’s duties shall include:
(1)    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;
(2)    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;
(3)    supervision of the execution of agreements and the maintenance of standards;
(4)    registration of apprenticeship programs and agreements;
(5)    keeping a record of apprenticeship agreements and programs, and upon performance thereunder issuing certificates of completion of apprenticeship;
(6)    encouragement of liaison and cooperation between all private, State, and federal agencies concerned with apprenticeship, trade, and industrial training;
(7)    promotion of public awareness of apprenticeship and other occupational training; and
(8)    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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 4 - Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities › Section 11-407 - Conformity With Federal Regulations

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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 4 - Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities › Section 11-408 - Recognition by Federal Department of Labor

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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 4 - Planned Apprenticeship Standards and Activities › Section 11-409 - Youth Apprenticeship Advisory Committee

(a)    In this section, “Committee” means the Youth Apprenticeship Advisory Committee.
(b)    There is a Youth Apprenticeship Advisory Committee in the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning.
(c)    The Committee consists of the following members:
(1)    the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;
(2)    the State Superintendent of Schools, or the State Superintendent’s designee;
(3)    the Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary’s designee;
(4)    the Secretary of Juvenile Services, or the Secretary’s designee;
(5)    the Assistant Secretary of the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, or the Assistant Secretary’s designee; and
(6)    the following members, appointed by the Governor:
(i)    two representatives of the Council;
(ii)    one representative of an employee organization;
(iii)    one employer whose business has a nonjoint apprenticeship program;
(iv)    one representative from a community college;
(v)    one individual who holds a doctoral degree and specializes in labor economics with expertise in national and international apprenticeship systems;
(vi)    one representative of a nonprofit organization who is involved with employee training and workforce development;
(vii)    one representative of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce; and
(viii)    two representatives from regional business councils that serve different regions of the State.
(d)    The Committee shall:
(1)    evaluate the effectiveness of existing high school youth apprenticeship programs in the State, other states, and other countries based on a systematic review of relevant data;
(2)    review and identify:
(i)    ways to implement high school youth apprenticeship programs in the State; and
(ii)    means through which employers and organizations can obtain grants, tax credits, and other subsidies to support establishment and operation of high school youth apprenticeship programs; and
(3)    set targets for the number of apprenticeship opportunities for youth that the State should reach over the next 3 years.
(e)    On or before December 1 of each year, the Committee shall submit a report, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly regarding any recommended legislation to promote high school youth apprenticeship programs in the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Workforce Development Act › Section 11-502 - State Policy and Goals

(a)    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.
(b)    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:
(1)    preparing unskilled youth and adults who are economically disadvantaged for entry into the work force;
(2)    retraining those who have lost jobs or who must upgrade or replace their work skills or both; and
(3)    providing training and related services, including supportive services for low–income individuals, to increase the employability of those who encounter barriers to employment.
(c)    It is also the State’s goal to develop a well trained productive work force which meets the needs of a changing economy by:
(1)    developing and ensuring maximum utilization of timely statewide labor market information;
(2)    linking employment and training services with economic development efforts;
(3)    providing enhanced employment and training capabilities specially designed to meet the needs of business and industry, including industries that utilize advanced technology applications; and
(4)    encouraging and initiating innovative employment and training strategies.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Workforce Development Act › Section 11-504 - Workforce Development Training Program; Special Provisions for Carroll County

(a)    A workforce development program is established to implement the federal Act.
(b)    (1)    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.
(2)    (i)    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.
(ii)    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.
(iii)    A training provider shall reimburse the Department of Transportation for the cost of transit passes provided to the training provider under this paragraph.
(iv)    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.
(c)    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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Workforce Development Act › Section 11-505 - Governor's Workforce Development Board

(a)    The Governor’s Workforce Development Board is established and shall have the membership as provided in § 101 of the federal Act.
(b)    (1)    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.
(2)    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.
(c)    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.
(d)    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.
(e)    The Governor’s Workforce Development Board may adopt any rule or regulations necessary to carry out its powers and duties.
(f)    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.
(g)    (1)    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.
(2)    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.
(3)    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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Workforce Development Act › Section 11-506 - Governor's Plan

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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Workforce Development Act › Section 11-507 - Funds

(a)    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.
(b)    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.
(c)    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.
(d)    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.
(e)    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. �
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Workforce Development Act › Section 11-508 - Supplementation of Federal Funds

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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 6 - Miscellaneous Programs › Section 11-601 - Apprenticeship Career Training in Our Neighborhoods Program

(a)    In this section, “ACTION Program” means the Apprenticeship Career Training in Our Neighborhoods Program established under this section.
(b)    There is an Apprenticeship Career Training in Our Neighborhoods Program in the Department.
(c)    The purposes of the ACTION Program are:
(1)    to develop a well–trained, productive construction workforce which meets the needs of the State’s economy;
(2)    to encourage employers to hire apprentices in the construction industry; and
(3)    to help employers offset additional costs, if any, associated with hiring apprentices.
(d)    (1)    The Department shall administer the ACTION Program and provide grants on a competitive basis to employers that meet the requirements under paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(2)    An employer is eligible to receive a grant if the employer employs one or more apprentices who:
(i)    have been employed by the employer for at least 7 months;
(ii)    are engaged in a building or construction trade;
(iii)    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
(iv)    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.
(e)    (1)    As provided in the State budget, the ACTION Program shall award grants to eligible employers.
(2)    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:
(i)    provide grants to eligible employers; and
(ii)    cover administrative costs.
(f)    The Department shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out this section, including regulations to:
(1)    develop requirements for grant applications;
(2)    develop a process for reviewing grant applications and awarding grants to eligible employers; and
(3)    determine a cap for the maximum amount of a grant that an eligible employer may receive each year.
(g)    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.
(h)    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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 6 - Miscellaneous Programs › Section 11-602 - Maryland Summer Youth Connection Program

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Local area” means the local workforce development areas established in this State under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
(3)    “Low income” means not more than 150% of the federal poverty level.
(4)    “Program” means the Maryland Summer Youth Connection Program.
(5)    “Summer” means the period beginning June 1 of each year and ending September 30 of each year.
(b)    (1)    There is a Maryland Summer Youth Connection Program in the Division.
(2)    (i)    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.
(ii)    The Program priorities are to provide jobs for youth who:
1.    are 14 years old and 15 years old;
2.    are from low-income families;
3.    have a disability;
4.    have a special need; or
5.    otherwise encounter barriers in the labor market.
(c)    The Director shall:
(1)    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;
(2)    adopt regulations to carry out the Program; and
(3)    evaluate the performances of the local areas in carrying out the purposes of the Program.
(d)    Under the Program, the local areas shall:
(1)    develop meaningful and well supervised work experiences in:
(i)    public and private nonprofit, community-based sites; and
(ii)    private for-profit sites, if the experiences developed in the private for-profit sites:
1.    serve not more than 20% of the participants in the Program; and
2.    expose Program participants to occupations for which there is high demand in the labor market;
(2)    provide activities to enhance job skills, including basic skills, computer skills, occupational skills, and basic employability skills;
(3)    provide career-exposure activities, including field trips, guest speakers, job shadowing, aptitude and interest assessment, and college fairs;
(4)    provide sufficient oversight and monitoring of work sites to ensure a quality experience for each participant;
(5)    submit a plan to the Director detailing the local area’s plan for summer activities; and
(6)    submit an end-of-summer report.
(e)    A local area’s allowable Program costs may include:
(1)    wages paid to participants in the Program;
(2)    the costs of supervision;
(3)    the costs of materials and supplies related to the work provided;
(4)    reasonable transportation costs to, from, and around the work site;
(5)    related training costs; and
(6)    reasonable administrative support costs, not exceeding 10% of the funding granted the local area.
(f)    A participating youth shall be paid not less than the federal minimum wage for each hour worked.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 6 - Miscellaneous Programs › Section 11-605 - List of Incentive Programs for Hiring and Retraining

(a)    The Department shall develop a list of any federal or State incentive programs available to an employer who hires and trains formerly incarcerated individuals.
(b)    The Department shall make the list accessible on the main page of the Department’s website.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program › Section 11-701 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Credential” means a recognized:
(1)    educational diploma;
(2)    certificate or degree;
(3)    occupational license;
(4)    apprenticeship certificate;
(5)    industry recognized certification; or
(6)    award for skills attainment and completion, issued by an approved training provider in the State or third–party credential provider.
(c)    “High–demand occupation” means an occupation that:
(1)    has a significant presence within target industries;
(2)    is in demand by employers; and
(3)    pays or leads to payment of a family sustaining wage.
(d)    “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.
(e)    (1)    “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.
(2)    “Job readiness training” includes:
(i)    occupational skills development;
(ii)    GED preparation;
(iii)    literacy advancement;
(iv)    financial stability services, including financial coaching;
(v)    credit counseling;
(vi)    transportation; and
(vii)    child care.
(f)    “Local board” means a local workforce development board established to administer services in a workforce development area established under Subtitle 5 of this title.
(g)    “Maryland EARN Program” means the Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program created under this subtitle.
(h)    “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:
(1)    identify common workforce needs for high–demand occupations within a target industry; and
(2)    develop and implement industry strategies to meet the common workforce needs and shortages based on regional needs.
(i)    “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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program › Section 11-702 - Program Established

(a)    In this section, “CTE Committee” means the Career and Technical Education Committee established under § 21–207 of the Education Article.
(b)    There is a Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Program in the Department.
(c)    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.
(d)    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:
(1)    an approved strategic industry partnership for development of a plan consistent with the purpose of the Maryland EARN Program;
(2)    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;
(3)    job readiness training and skills training that results in a credential or an identifiable skill; and
(4)    collectively bargained, registered apprenticeships that:
(i)    are working to incorporate the apprenticeship’s curriculum into high school career and technical education programs;
(ii)    are working to ensure that community college credits are available for instruction provided by an apprenticeship sponsor; or
(iii)    offer apprenticeships to high school students.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program › Section 11-703 - Application for Grants

(a)    An application for a strategic industry partnership grant under § 11–702(d) of this subtitle shall:
(1)    include:
(i)    evidence of shortages in skilled employment within the target industry over a sustained period of time;
(ii)    a description of specific high–demand occupations or sets of occupations within the target industry; and
(iii)    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
(2)    identify members participating in the strategic industry partnership and include identification of the target industry and the participating local board.
(b)    Grants may be awarded for skills training consistent with an approved strategic industry partnership plan developed under § 11–702(c) of this subtitle to:
(1)    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;
(2)    industries with an identified workforce shortage that will be seeking to hire individuals to train to meet a specific skill need;
(3)    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
(4)    educational providers that offer training consistent with the goals of the plan.
(c)    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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program › Section 11-705 - Monitoring Grants; Revocation of Grant Funding; Intellectual Property

(a)    The Department shall monitor all grants provided under the Maryland EARN Program.
(b)    The Department may require that all recipients of strategic industry partnership grants:
(1)    demonstrate an ability to collaborate successfully; and
(2)    include additional provisions in a grant proposal to ensure accountability.
(c)    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.
(d)    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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program › Section 11-706 - Development and Implementation of State Employment Advancement Strategy

(a)    The Department, in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management, shall develop and implement a State employment advancement strategy.
(b)    The State employment advancement strategy shall identify:
(1)    positions in State government in need of skilled employees; and
(2)    mechanisms to provide incumbent State employees with access to skills training programs that result in:
(i)    employment advancement resulting in title promotion or wage promotion; or
(ii)    the potential for future employment advancement as the result of obtaining a credential or identifiable skill.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program › Section 11-707 - "Train Maryland" Web Site

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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now Program › Section 11-709 - Reporting

(a)    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.
(b)    The report required under subsection (a) of this section shall include:
(1)    an identification of training needs statewide, including industries in urgent need of qualified workers;
(2)    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;
(3)    (i)    a description of each strategic industry partnership receiving grant funding and the status of the partnership; and
(ii)    the jurisdiction of the State in which each strategic industry partnership is located;
(4)    the number of individuals:
(i)    by sex, race, national origin, income, county of residence, and educational attainment, participating in each component of the Maryland EARN Program; and
(ii)    participating in the Maryland EARN Program who, as a result of the Program, have obtained:
1.    a credential or an identifiable skill;
2.    a new employment position;
3.    a title promotion; or
4.    a wage promotion;
(5)    an assessment of whether and to what extent the approved strategic industry partnerships utilized existing data concerning:
(i)    training needs in the State identified in previous studies; and
(ii)    applicable skills needs identified in existing workforce studies, plans, or research; and
(6)    information on the success of funding workforce development programs under § 11–708.1 of this subtitle.
(c)    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:
(1)    the name and location of each program;
(2)    the populations targeted by each program;
(3)    the training and curriculum provided;
(4)    program enrollment and graduation rates; and
(5)    the number and types of placements achieved by trainees who complete each program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 8 - Adult Education and Literacy Services › Section 11-801 - "Adult Education" Defined

In this subtitle, “adult education” means academic instruction and education services below the postsecondary level for individuals:
(1)    who are at least 16 years old;
(2)    who are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in high school under State law; and
(3)    who:
(i)    are basic skills deficient;
(ii)    do not have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent and have not achieved an equivalent level of education; or
(iii)    are English language learners.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 8 - Adult Education and Literacy Services › Section 11-802 - Established

(a)    There is an Adult Education and Literacy Services Office in the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning of the Department.
(b)    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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 8 - Adult Education and Literacy Services › Section 11-805 - Purpose of Adult Education and Literacy Services

The purpose of adult education and literacy services is to:
(1)    assist adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self–sufficiency;
(2)    assist adults who are parents or family members to obtain the education and skills necessary:
(i)    to become full partners in the educational development of their children; and
(ii)    to lead to sustainable improvements in the economic opportunities for their family;
(3)    assist adults in attaining a secondary school diploma and in the transition to postsecondary education and training, including through career pathways; and
(4)    assist immigrants and other individuals who are English language learners by:
(i)    improving their English language proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills;
(ii)    improving mathematics skills; and
(iii)    acquiring an understanding of the American system of government, individual freedom, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 8 - Adult Education and Literacy Services › Section 11-806 - Grants for Adult Education and Literacy Services

(a)    (1)    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.
(2)    The grants distributed under this section shall be based on need and performance.
(3)    Grants under this section may be used for adult education and literacy services, including:
(i)    basic skills instruction;
(ii)    preparation and instruction for obtaining a high school diploma by examination under § 11–808 of this subtitle;
(iii)    the National External Diploma Program under § 11–807 of this subtitle;
(iv)    Workplace Literacy Services and workforce preparation activities;
(v)    English for speakers of other languages and integrated English literacy and civics education;
(vi)    family literacy;
(vii)    literacy instruction; and
(viii)    integrated education and training.
(b)    Funding for the competitive grants under this section shall be as provided in the State budget.
(c)    On or before August 1 each year, the Department shall:
(1)    compile a list by county of adult education and literacy services grant recipients for adult education and literacy services offered to the public;
(2)    distribute the list to the county board and county superintendent or chief executive officer of each local school system in the State; and
(3)    post the list on its public website.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 8 - Adult Education and Literacy Services › Section 11-807 - National External Diploma Program

(a)    In this section, “Program” means the National External Diploma Program adopted under regulations by the Secretary in consultation with the State Board of Education.
(b)    (1)    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.
(2)    In response to its recognition of competencies, the Department shall provide alternative requirements and methods of obtaining a Maryland high school diploma.
(3)    The Department and the State Board of Education shall award diplomas to the individuals meeting the requirements of this subtitle.
(c)    (1)    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.
(2)    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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 8 - Adult Education and Literacy Services › Section 11-808 - Obtaining High School Diploma by Examination

(a)    An individual may obtain a high school diploma by examination as provided in this section if the individual:
(1)    has not obtained a high school diploma;
(2)    resides in this State; and
(3)    except as provided in subsection (b) of this section:
(i)    is not subject to compulsory school attendance under § 7–301 of the Education Article; and
(ii)    has withdrawn from a regular full–time public or private school program.
(b)    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.
(c)    The Department shall 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.
(d)    The examination shall:
(1)    be offered in appropriate high school subject areas; and
(2)    be of a comprehensive nature as determined by the State Board of Education.
(e)    An individual who fails an examination may repeat taking the examination.
(f)    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.
(g)    The diploma shall be awarded in accordance with the regulations adopted by the Secretary and the State Board of Education.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 8 - Adult Education and Literacy Services › Section 11-809 - Ged Testing Fees -- Exemption for Homeless Youth

(a)    In this section, “homeless youth” has the same meaning as provided in the federal McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
(b)    An individual is exempt from paying GED testing fees if:
(1)    the individual is a homeless youth;
(2)    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
(3)    the Department verifies that the individual is a homeless youth.
(c)    The Department may use the following individuals to verify that an individual is a homeless youth:
(1)    a homeless liaison from a local school system that the individual attended;
(2)    a director or a designee of the director of a program in the State funded under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act; or
(3)    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.
(d)    The Department shall adopt regulations to implement the requirements of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Labor and Employment › Title 11 - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning › Subtitle 9 - Correctional Institutions › Section 11-901 - Correctional Education Council

(a)    There is a Correctional Education Council under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Department.
(b)    (1)    The Council consists of 14 members.
(2)    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:
(i)    two representing the business community;
(ii)    a former offender; and
(iii)    one member of the general public.
(3)    The following officials shall serve ex officio:
(i)    the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services;
(ii)    the Secretary of Labor;
(iii)    the State Superintendent of Schools, or the State Superintendent’s designee;
(iv)    the Secretary of Higher Education, or the Secretary’s designee;
(v)    the Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary’s designee;
(vi)    the president of a community college in the State, or the president’s designee;
(vii)    the Chair of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, or the Chair’s designee;
(viii)    the Director of Education and Workforce Skills Training for Correctional Institutions, or the Director’s designee;
(ix)    an official from a local correctional facility, or the official’s designee; and
(x)    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.
(c)    Each member of the Council:
(1)    serves without compensation; but
(2)    is entitled to reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations.
(d)    (1)    The Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Secretary shall serve as cochairs of the Council.
(2)    The Council:
(i)    shall meet at least four times per year;
(ii)    shall designate the time and place of its meetings; and
(iii)    may adopt rules for the conduct of its meetings.
(3)    The Council shall be within the Department for administrative and budgetary purposes.
(4)    The Department shall provide technical and clerical assistance and support to the Council.
(e)    (1)    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.
(2)    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.
(3)    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.