MD HB296

Repeals the CTE Skills Standards Advisory Committee and consolidates its functions into the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Committee, which will now directly set occupational standards for CTE programs rather than receiving recommendations from the separate advisory body.

Expands CTE Committee membership from six to seven jointly-selected members and requires the chair to be selected from employer representatives rather than from all committee members.

Requires the CTE Committee to develop and maintain a list of high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand priority occupations for Maryland, with career pathway information including skills, credentials, and advancement steps for each occupation.

Mandates that all State agencies and workforce development/education programs use the CTE Committee's occupation list and career pathway information as guidelines for curriculum alignment, credentialing, and career advancement.

Changes the statewide goal metric from students achieving "an industry-recognized occupational credential" to completing "the high school level of a registered apprenticeship or another industry-recognized credential" before graduation, maintaining the 45% target.