MarylandSB 04312025 Regular SessionSenate

Registered Apprenticeship Investments for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Act

Sponsored By: Malcolm Augustine (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Private Sector Labor and IndustryApprenticesAppropriationsAssociations -see also- Cooperative AssociationsBudgets -see also- Capital BudgetsCertificationsCollective BargainingCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Commerce, Department ofCommittees and CommissionsDisabilitiesEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Fees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFormsGovernorGrantsIndustry and TechnologyJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLabor, Department ofLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsManagers and SupervisorsOccupational SafetyPermits -see also- Building PermitsPlumbingProcurementRecruitment and HiringRegistration -see also- Motor Vehicle RegistrationReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Standards and Best PracticesTimeWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

More help to grow Maryland apprenticeships

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland creates a new office and partner program to help start and expand registered apprenticeships. The program connects employers, labor groups, schools, and workforce partners, with a focus on industries outside traditional apprenticeship fields. Qualified partners must show relevant expertise, and the Secretary may support the work through grants or contracts. The Governor must budget for the Office’s administrative costs each year, but the law sets no amount.

Apprentice hiring grants with employer commitments

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland establishes hiring grants for employers and sponsors operating in Maryland with apprentices in Division-approved programs. Apprentices must have worked for the applicant at least seven months and still be in their first year there. Each apprentice qualifies for only one grant application and award; another employer cannot get an award for that apprentice. Recipients must state their intent to retain apprentices through training and afterward, unless they leave voluntarily or are dismissed for cause. The Department sets award amounts and annual limits and may require repayment for noncompliance. A dedicated fund keeps unused money and interest and pays only incentives and related administration through the State budget. Funding is not guaranteed: for fiscal years 2027–2030, appropriations are optional, replacing the former $5 million minimum.

Apprentice supervision rules add staffing requirements

Beginning October 1, 2025, covered Maryland apprenticeship programs must have at least one regularly employed journeyworker for each apprentice. The rule applies retroactively only to programs first approved by the Department of Labor on or after January 1, 2023. Staffing must support supervision, training, steady employment, and compliance with applicable union agreements. For occupations the Secretary defines as nonhazardous to workers and the public, the Council must recommend exceptions at or after registration. For other occupations, the Council must consider formal written requests for exceptions.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Malcolm Augustine
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Benjamin Brooks
Democratic • Senate
Mary Beth Carozza
Republican • Senate
Nick Charles
Democratic • Senate
Dawn Gile
Democratic • Senate
Shaneka Henson
Democratic • Senate
Shelly Hettleman
Democratic • Senate
Mary-Dulany James
Democratic • Senate
Nancy J. King
Democratic • Senate
Mary Washington
Democratic • Senate
Chris West
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 137 • No: 40

House vote • 4/1/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 104 • No: 31 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/17/2025