Md. Code, Economic Development, Title 3

Md. Code, Economic Development, Title 3
in effect

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-102

To support manufacturing in Maryland, it is the policy of the State to follow these seven principles: (1) the State must make a long-term institutional commitment to improving the competitiveness of existing and emerging manufacturers; (2) the State’s support for manufacturing must be industry-driven, with governmental and educational efforts focused on priorities set by businesses; (3) to have a noticeable impact on the State and regional economies, the State’s efforts to support manufacturing must be organized in ways that address the level of need; (4) the State’s support of manufacturing must be held accountable to measurable outcomes that result from the State’s business assistance activities; (5) to be competitive, all manufacturers must deploy the latest advances in technology; (6) to develop a competitive manufacturing base, the State should target its limited resources to those key manufacturing industries that have a strong presence or healthy growth prospects; and (7) the State’s business assistance services for existing and emerging manufacturers must be: (i) comprehensive, ranging across marketing, technology, financing, job training, and other needs of manufacturing; and (ii) readily available across all regions of the State.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-104

(a) (1) The Board consists of: (i) one member appointed by the President of the Senate of Maryland; (ii) one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; (iii) the Secretary or the designee of the Secretary; and (iv) the following members appointed by the Secretary with the approval of the Governor: 1. one representative of an educational institution in the State; 2. two representatives of organized labor; 3. 10 representatives of manufacturing enterprises; and 4. one representative of business organizations. (2) The members appointed under paragraph (1)(iv) of this subsection shall reflect the racial and gender diversity of the population of the State. (3) The members appointed under paragraph (1)(iv)3 of this subsection should generally reflect representation from: (i) varied geographic regions of the State; (ii) varied sectors of manufacturing, balancing technology–related and traditional manufacturing industries; and (iii) the mix of manufacturing enterprises in the State, including those that employ 500 or more employees and those that employ fewer than 500 employees. (b) (1) The term of a member appointed under subsection (a)(1)(iv) of this section is 3 years and begins on July 1. (2) The terms of the members appointed under subsection (a)(1)(iv) are staggered as required by the terms provided for the members of the Board on October 1, 2008. (3) A member may be reappointed, but after serving two consecutive 3–year terms, a member may not be reappointed until at least 1 year after the end of the member’s previous tenure. (4) (i) A vacancy shall be filled immediately for the remainder of the unexpired portion of a term. (ii) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor has been appointed. (5) (i) A member appointed by the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House serves at the pleasure of the appointing officer. (ii) A member appointed under subsection (a)(1)(iv) of this section may be removed at any time by the Secretary, with or without cause.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-107

A member of the Board who is a member of the General Assembly may not vote on a matter before the Board that relates to the exercise of a sovereign power of the State.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-108

The Board shall advise the Secretary on the best methods to implement the policy directives of the action plan for manufacturing competitiveness in the State, including: (1) encouraging the development of new manufacturing enterprises and the expansion and retention of existing manufacturing enterprises; (2) encouraging and facilitating training and education of individuals for manufacturing jobs; (3) producing a climate conducive to the growth and viability of manufacturing enterprises; (4) supporting research necessary to evaluate, plan, and execute effective promotion of manufacturing enterprises; and (5) encouraging, assisting, and coordinating the activities of local, regional, and national public or private organizations that promote manufacturing.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-109

The Board shall submit a report each year to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on the progress of the Board in implementing policies to assist manufacturing in the State.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-201

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “Advisory Board” means the Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board. (c) “Corporation” means the Maryland Technology Development Corporation. (d) “Life sciences” includes the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomedical technologies, life systems technologies, food sciences, environmental sciences, and biomedical devices.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-202

(a) There is a Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board in the Department. (b) The purpose of the Advisory Board is to recommend State and federal policies, priorities, practices, and legislation to expedite the creation of private sector jobs through the commercialization of life sciences research.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-203

(a) The Advisory Board consists of the following 18 members: (1) the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee; (2) the Executive Director of the Corporation, or the Executive Director’s designee; and (3) the following members appointed by the Governor: (i) three representing federal agencies located in the State with life sciences missions; (ii) seven with executive experience in life sciences businesses located in the State, at least four of whom represent small businesses; (iii) four representing institutions of higher education located in the State, one of whom shall represent a community college; (iv) one with general business marketing experience in a life sciences business located in the State; and (v) one member of the general public. (b) The composition of the Advisory Board shall reflect the racial and gender diversity of the population of the State. (c) (1) Except for the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee and the Executive Director of the Corporation or the Executive Director’s designee, the term of an Advisory Board member is 2 years. (2) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. (3) 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. (d) The Governor may remove a member of the Advisory Board for incompetence, misconduct, or failure to perform the duties of the position. (e) The Governor shall select a chair from among the members of the Advisory Board. (f) The Advisory Board may act with an affirmative vote of eight members. (g) A member of the Advisory Board: (1) may not receive compensation as a member of the Advisory Board; but (2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-204

(a) The Advisory Board shall assist the Department in: (1) developing a comprehensive State strategic plan for life sciences; (2) promoting life sciences research, development, commercialization, and manufacturing in the State; (3) promoting collaboration and coordination among life sciences organizations in the State; (4) promoting collaboration and coordination among research institutions of higher education in the State; (5) developing a strategy to coordinate State and federal resources to attract private sector investment and job creation in the life sciences; (6) developing a strategy to support federal life sciences facilities located in the State, including support for education, transportation, housing, and capital investment needs; and (7) making recommendations to address critical needs in the life sciences, including access to venture capital and capital construction funding. (b) In performing its duties, the Advisory Board shall give due consideration to the business, scientific, medical, and ethical aspects of the life sciences industry.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-205

(a) The Advisory Board shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on or before December 15 of each year. (b) The report shall include any recommendations from the Advisory Board and a summary of the activities of the Advisory Board during the preceding year.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-302

(a) There is an Office of International Trade in the Department. (b) The purpose of the Office is to promote the development of international business activities and opportunities in the State.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-303

(a) The Office may enter into contracts or make grants: (1) consistent with this subtitle; and (2) subject to the approval of the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee. (b) Procurement by the Office for services to be performed or supplies to be delivered outside the State shall be consistent with, but not subject to, Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-304

With special emphasis on exports, the Office shall encourage businesses in the State to increase international trade activities by: (1) channeling trade leads and providing a list of prescreened foreign intermediaries; (2) providing informational and consultative services on the international trade process, including: (i) market research and selection; (ii) marketing techniques and risks; (iii) foreign trade laws; and (iv) the availability of private or public financing; (3) developing publications to facilitate the exchange of information on products and services between businesses in the State and foreign businesses; (4) initiating and organizing foreign trade missions to and from foreign countries and participating in trade fairs, in cooperation with local governments and the private sector; (5) establishing an outreach program for small-sized and medium-sized businesses that have export potential to provide counseling and to use experienced private-sector exporters and other qualified persons; and (6) assisting, as appropriate, with acquisition of export-related financing through the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority and federal, local, or private programs.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-305

The Office shall encourage and facilitate participation by businesses in the State in barter, counter trade, and joint venture transactions, as appropriate, by: (1) providing informational and consultative services, including the necessary components and laws involved in these transactions; (2) facilitating the commercial relationship between Maryland businesses in the State and counterpart foreign businesses involved in these transactions; and (3) providing, in cooperation with the private sector, a listing of potential barter and joint venture opportunities.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-306

(a) The Office shall coordinate its programs with the State Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Environment, the State Department of Transportation, the University System of Maryland, other appropriate federal, State, and local units, and private organizations. (b) In overseas offices of the State, and with other State units, the Office shall participate, as appropriate, in providing informational and marketing services to support international trade efforts of the Office.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-307

(a) The Office shall encourage and facilitate regional efforts to develop local and regional international trade programs and expertise, consistent with other State efforts, through: (1) technical assistance; and (2) matching grants to public or private regional entities. (b) The Office shall encourage the location of new international industrial or commercial enterprises in the State, in cooperation with local governments and other entities.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-401

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “Board” means the Partnership for Workforce Quality Advisory Board. (c) “Fund” means the Partnership for Workforce Quality Fund. (d) “Program” means the Partnership for Workforce Quality Program.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-403

The purpose of the Program is to provide training services to: (1) improve the competitiveness and productivity of the State’s workforce and business community; (2) upgrade employee skills, or train new employees, for new technologies or production processes; and (3) assist employers located in the State in promoting employment stability.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-404

(a) The Secretary or the Secretary’s designee shall direct the Program. (b) The Secretary may not provide training assistance under the Program except at the specific request of an employer or group of employers. (c) To identify employers that need assistance, the Secretary shall use local advisory groups, including private industry councils and joint apprenticeship committees. (d) Subject to §§ 3-405 and 3-412(c) and (d)(1) of this subtitle, the Secretary shall establish eligibility criteria and priorities for assistance under the Program. (e) In accordance with § 2.5–109 of this article, the Secretary shall submit a report on the operation and performance of the Program.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-405

(a) (1) An employer receiving assistance under the Program shall be located in the State. (2) In order to receive assistance under the Program, an employer shall request training assistance in job–specific skills to train new employees or to upgrade or retain existing Maryland–based employees covered under Title 8 of the Labor and Employment Article. (b) The Secretary shall give priority to employers that are: (1) manufacturers; or (2) threatened by the pressure of increased foreign or domestic competition.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-406

The Program shall provide business assistance services that: (1) determine whether the employer’s specific needs are best met by training, other types of assistance, or a combination of services; (2) identify the availability of existing training programs that may be adapted to meet the employer’s needs; (3) identify the resources the employer may provide to support the training, including: (i) equipment; (ii) facilities; and (iii) materials; (4) identify or develop appropriate curricula; and (5) determine the most cost-effective approach to meeting training needs.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-407

(a) The Secretary may award a grant for job-specific training assistance to an eligible: (1) business; (2) community college; (3) private career school; (4) State-accredited training agency; (5) trade association; or (6) union-sponsored training program. (b) Training shall be approved by the employer of those being trained. (c) Under the Program, job-specific training may not exceed 1 year.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-409

(a) The Board consists of the following 15 members: (1) one member of the Senate of Maryland appointed by the President of the Senate; (2) one member of the House of Delegates appointed by the Speaker of the House; and (3) the following members appointed by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary and the chair of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board: (i) five representatives of business, of which three shall represent employers with fewer than 100 employees; (ii) three representatives of organized labor; (iii) one representative from the Maryland Higher Education Commission; (iv) one representative from the State Department of Education; (v) one representative from the Governor’s Workforce Development Board; and (vi) two representatives of the general public. (b) (1) The term of a member appointed under subsection (a)(3) of this section is 3 years. (2) The terms of the members appointed under subsection (a)(3) of this section are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on October 1, 2008. (3) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. (4) 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. (c) A member of the Board: (1) may not receive compensation as a member of the Board; but (2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations. (d) The Governor shall designate the chair of the Board.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-410

(a) The Board shall: (1) submit recommendations to the Secretary concerning overall policy for the Program; (2) recommend a system to evaluate requests for assistance under the Program, including eligibility criteria and priorities for assistance; (3) develop criteria to assess and evaluate Program performance and advise the Secretary of the criteria; (4) consult regularly with the Governor’s Workforce Development Board and the Maryland Economic Development Commission concerning the activities of the Program; (5) submit a quarterly report on the Program to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board; and (6) advise the Secretary on coordination of cooperative activities at the State and local level between the Department, employers, labor, and other public and private entities involved with workforce quality. (b) In recommending a system for evaluating requests for assistance, the Board shall consider the equal distribution of assistance to all subdivisions of the State.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-411

(a) There is a Partnership for Workforce Quality Fund in the Department. (b) The Secretary shall manage and supervise the Fund. (c) (1) The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to reversion under § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. (2) The Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund. (d) The Fund consists of: (1) money appropriated by the State to the Fund; (2) money made available to the Fund through federal programs; (3) private contributions to the Fund; (4) an application or other fee paid to the Program in connection with processing a request for financial assistance; and (5) any other money made available to the Fund. (e) The Department may use money in the Fund for: (1) grants to defray the cost of workforce training; and (2) administrative, actuarial, legal, and technical services for the Program. (f) Any investment earnings shall be credited to the Fund. (g) The Governor shall include in the State budget for each fiscal year an appropriation of at least $1,000,000 for the Partnership for Workforce Quality Program.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-412

(a) The Program may provide business assistance services under § 3-406 of this subtitle at no cost to the employer. (b) Program money may be used for costs associated with the direct delivery of instruction, including: (1) curriculum development; (2) course materials; and (3) instructors’ salaries and expenses for training. (c) (1) At least 60% of the money available to the Program shall be reserved for employers with 150 or fewer employees based in the State. (2) Up to 20% of the money available to the Program may be provided to an employer with more than 500 employees based in the State, if the employer: (i) is primarily engaged in manufacturing or in a technology-based business; (ii) agrees to increase purchases of goods produced in the State and services from suppliers based in the State; and (iii) agrees to provide the workforce training to the number of employees based in the State, as determined by the Program, of smaller employers located in the State that supply goods or services to the employer receiving the money. (d) (1) An employer may not receive more than $200,000 a year from the Program. (2) The Program may not contribute more than 50% of direct training costs for job-specific training assistance. (3) Program money may not be used for: (i) capital equipment for an employer; or (ii) trainee wages.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-601

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “Office” means the Office of Telework Assistance. (c) “Telework” has the meaning stated in § 2–308 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.

Md. Code, Economic Development § 3-602

(a) There is an Office of Telework Assistance within the Department. (b) The Office shall: (1) establish best practices for telework policies; (2) consult with the business community and other governmental agencies, including the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Information Technology, as the Office determines is necessary in establishing the best practices; (3) post the best practices established by the Office on the Department’s website in a publicly accessible location; (4) on or before October 1, 2021, and each October 1 thereafter, adopt guidelines on the best practices established by the Office under this subtitle; and (5) assist private sector business entities in implementing telework policies for their employees.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatutesFetched: 10/16/2026

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