MD HB1358

Summary of HB 1358 - Local Workforce Solutions Investment Act

• Maryland Department of Labor must allocate money from the Hospital Employees Retraining Fund to local workforce development boards when hospital closings, downsizings, or mergers occur in their county or region

• Local workforce development boards replace "service providers" and "one-stop career centers" as the primary entities for delivering labor market information, retraining referrals, and employment services under the State's quick response program

• Department of Labor must provide funding to local workforce development boards for direct deployment to serve workers affected by business reductions in operations, subject to funding availability

• Local workforce development boards will provide grants to employers under the Apprenticeship Career Training in Our Neighborhoods (ACTION) Program, replacing the previous competitive grant process administered solely by the Department

• Effective date: October 1, 2026