3-702.1.

(A) THERE IS A PARTNERSHIP FOR WORKFORCE QUALITY FUND IN THE
DEPARTMENT MANAGED AND SUPERVISED BY THE SECRETARY

(B) (1) THE FUND IS A CONTINUING, NONLAPSING FUND WHICH IS NOT
SUBJECT TO § 7-302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE.

(2) THE TREASURER SHALL SEPARATELY HOLD AND THE COMPTROLLER
SHALL ACCOUNT FOR THE FUND.

(3) ANY INVESTMENT EARNINGS OF THE FUND SHALL BE PAID INTO
THE FUND.

(C) THE FUND MAY CONSIST OF ANY OF:

(1) MONEYS APPROPRIATED BY THE STATE TO THE FUND;

(2) MONEYS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE FUND THROUGH FEDERAL
PROGRAMS OR PRIVATE CONTRIBUTIONS;

(3) APPLICATION OR OTHER FEES PAID TO THE PROGRAM IN
CONNECTION WITH THE PROCESSING OF REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE;
AND

(4) ANY OTHER MONEYS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE FUND.

(D) THE DEPARTMENT MAY USE MONEYS IN THE FUND TO:

(1) PROVIDE GRANTS TO DEFRAY THE COSTS OF WORKFORCE TRAINING;

AND

(2) PAY EXPENSES FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, ACTUARIAL, LEGAL, AND
TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR THE PROGRAM.

3-703.

(a) The Secretary or the Secretary's designee shall direct the Partnership for
Workforce Quality Program.

(b) The Secretary shall provide training assistance under the Program only at
the specific request of an employer or group of employers.

(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) of this
subsection, the Secretary shall establish eligibility criteria and priorities for
assistance under the Partnership for Workforce Quality Program.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection,
an employer receiving assistance under the Program:

(i) Shall be a Maryland employer that operates under the
provisions of Title 8 of the Labor and Employment Article [and has 500 or fewer
full-time employees];