MD HB289

Requires the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to develop a paid apprenticeship program in skilled trades for incarcerated individuals, allowing them to work for state agencies, local governments, or private entities

Mandates that participating employers pay incarcerated workers at least the state minimum wage, with earnings credited to the individual's account or paid to their spouse, child, or dependent if needed

Establishes that the State pays care and supervision costs for participants assigned to state agencies, while municipal corporations, counties, and private entities pay these costs for their assigned workers

Requires the Department to provide a certificate of completion within 30 days of an individual's scheduled release if they successfully complete the program

Takes effect October 1, 2025, and operates independently from the existing Maryland Correctional Enterprises program