MD SB539

Establishes the Workforce Opportunities Grant Program within the Department of Social and Economic Mobility to provide competitive grants to nonprofit organizations, local workforce boards, and partnerships for planning and executing workforce events and job fairs that connect job seekers with employers across Maryland

Creates the Workforce Opportunities Grant Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund to support the Program, funded by state budget appropriations, interest earnings, and other sources, with interest earnings credited to the Fund rather than the General Fund

Requires the Governor to include an appropriation of at least $500,000 per year in the annual budget bill for the Fund for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2030

Eligible grant recipients must demonstrate experience working with employers from multiple industries and regions, the ability to conduct accessible events statewide, and the capacity to connect job seekers directly with hiring employers; grant funds may be used for outreach, logistics, venues, support services, staffing, and event coordination

Requires the Department to submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly beginning January 1, 2028, detailing the number and location of events held, employer and job seeker participation, and job placement data; the Act takes effect October 1, 2026, and sunsets on September 30, 2031