MD HB501

State Board of Plumbing must waive the license examination for journey plumber applicants who complete an approved plumbing apprenticeship program and pay the required fee

Secretary of Labor may waive examination requirements for other occupational licenses when applicants complete approved registered apprenticeship programs that meet industry standards and licensure requirements

Establishes the Maryland Office of Registered Apprenticeship Development and the Registered Apprenticeship Qualified Intermediary Program to market apprenticeships, conduct industry outreach, and provide technical assistance for launching programs in nontraditional sectors

Creates the Maryland Apprenticeship Incentive Program Fund, a special nonlapsing fund requiring at least $5 million in annual appropriations for fiscal years 2027-2030 to provide incentives to employers and sponsors who hire newly registered apprentices

Repeals the Youth Apprenticeship Advisory Committee and requires a minimum journeyworker-to-apprentice ratio of 1:1 for registered programs approved on or after January 1, 2023, with deviations allowed for nonhazardous occupations