July 31, 2003
Note: In this past edition of Maryland Manual, some links are to external sites. View the current Manual
Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation heads the Department (Code Business Regulation Article, sec. 2-102). The Secretary serves on the Governor's Executive Council; the Asbestos Oversight Committee; Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code Advisory Council; the Governor's Interagency Council on Homelessness; the Maryland Commission on Manufacturing Competitiveness; the Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs; the Maryland Advisory Council for New Americans; the Governor's Interagency Council for the Nonprofit Sector; the State Board of Pilots; the Smart Codes Strategy Group (steering committee); the Western Maryland Economic Development Task Force; and the Governor's Workforce Investment Board.
The Department's four divisions report directly to the Secretary. They are responsible for Labor and Industry; Regulatory Policy and Programs; Unemployment Insurance; and Workforce Development.
OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
1100 North Eutaw St., Room 303
Baltimore, MD 21201
In 1992, the Office of Information Technology organized in the Division of Employment and Training within the Department of Economic and Employment Development. The Office was made part of the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation in 1995. In January 2001, the Office moved under Information and Technology Management.
The Board of Appeals, formerly known as the Unemployment Insurance Board of Appeals, hears and decides appeals on the determinations of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation concerning claims for unemployment insurance benefits. It also hears appeals that arise under the tax provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Law and other matters requiring appellate adjudication.
With the approval of the Governor, the Board's three members are appointed to six-year terms by the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (Code Labor and Employment Article, secs. 8-501 through 8-512).
LOWER APPEALS DIVISION
Under the jurisdiction of the Board of Appeals is the Lower Appeals Division. The Division holds hearings on claimants' or employers' appeals from unemployment insurance claims determinations of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Claimants may appeal determinations disqualifying them for benefits, and employers may appeal determinations allowing benefits. These hearings are conducted by hearing examiners, designated by the Board of Appeals. Any aggrieved party may appeal a decision of a hearing examiner to the Board of Appeals. Final appellate recourse is to the courts of Maryland.
The Division of Labor and Industry enforces laws and regulations affecting workers and employers. Protection for workers is provided by the Division which sets safety standards and promotes harmony between employers and employees. The Division also protects the public by inspecting railroads, boilers, elevators, and amusement rides.
1100 North Eutaw St., Baltimore, Maryland,
April 2001. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Established in 1884 as the Bureau of Industrial Statistics and Information, the Division of Labor and Industry is one of the oldest governmental agencies in this field in the United States, antedating the U.S. Department of Labor by one year (Chapter 211, Acts of 1884). Though authorized as the Bureau of Statistics and Information, from its inception, the Bureau was called the Bureau of Industrial Statistics and Information. After 1892, the Department was known as the Industrial Bureau. A reorganization in 1916 renamed it the State Board of Labor and Statistics with enforcement powers for all factory acts. Further reformed in 1939 (Chapter 747, Acts of 1939), the Board in 1945 became the Department of Labor and Industry (Chapter 938, Acts of 1945). It adopted its present name in 1970 when it was made part of the Department of Employment and Social Services (Chapter 402, Acts of 1970). In 1975, the Division became an agency of the Department of Human Resources. The Division joined the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation in 1995.
With the approval of the Governor, the Commissioner of Labor and Industry is appointed by the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation and holds office at the pleasure of the Secretary.
Five sections comprise the Division: Apprenticeship and Training; Employment Standards Service; Occupational Safety and Health; Prevailing Wage; and Safety Inspection. Authorization for the Division continues until July 1, 2004 (Code Labor and Employment Article, secs. 2-101 through 2-109).
Apprenticeship and Training Program. Under direction of the Apprenticeship and Training Council, this program registers, certifies, and monitors skilled, craft, trade and technical apprenticeship programs statewide. The Director of Apprenticeship and Training is appointed by the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (Code Labor and Employment Article, secs. 11-401 through 11-408).
The Council's twelve members are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation and Senate advice and consent. With the advice of the Secretary, the Governor may appoint up to three consultants to the Council. Authorization for the Council continues until July 1, 2004.
The Service is responsible for protective labor laws concerned with children. The Child Labor Law specifies the conditions under which minors (aged 14 to 17) may be employed. The law requires employers to acquire a work permit for each youth hired (Code Labor and Employment Article, secs. 3-201 through 3-216).
Employment agencies in the State which charge applicants a fee are licensed and regulated by the Service (Code Business Regulation Article, secs. 9-101 through 9-601).
Under the Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law, the Service is empowered to collect wages that are due an employee and have not been paid (Code Labor and Employment Article, secs. 3-501 through 3-509).
Maryland's concern for safety and health in the workplace dates to 1884 when the Bureau of Statistics and Information formed. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973 reorganized Maryland safety programs and enforcement authorities into a single State occupational safety and health program (Chapter 59, Acts of 1973).
To the Commissioner of Labor and Industry the Board formulates and proposes rules and regulations to prevent accidents and occupational diseases in every occupation or place of employment in Maryland.
The Board consists of eleven members appointed for six-year terms by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry with the approval of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2004 (Code Labor and Employment Article, secs. 5-301 through 5-305).
The Council's six members are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation and Senate advice and consent. The Governor names a chair annually. Authorization for the Council continues until July 1, 2004 (Code State Finance and Procurement Article, sec. 17-203).
AMUSEMENT RIDE & ELEVATOR SAFETY INSPECTION
Enacted in 1976, the Amusement Ride Safety Law provides an inspection and enforcement program to ensure the safety of the public in the use of amusement rides and attractions (Chapter 844, Acts of 1976). The Commissioner of Labor and Industry administers and enforces this law, which covers amusement rides and attractions erected permanently or temporarily at carnivals, fairs, and amusement parks (Code Business Regulation Article, secs. 3-101 through 3-601).
The Commissioner of Labor and Industry is responsible for the inspection and certification of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, and moving walks throughout Maryland (Code 1957, Art. 89, sec. 49B).
Elevator Safety Inspection Program. Under this program, inspections are conducted in accordance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.
With Senate advice and consent, the Governor appoints the Board's nine members to four-year terms. The Governor names the chair. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2004 (Code Business Regulation Article, secs. 3-301 through 3-601).
SPECIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ELEVATORS
In 1975, the Special Advisory Committee on Elevators was authorized to provide the Commissioner of Labor and Industry with expertise, knowledge, and technical data on elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, and moving walks (Code 1957, Art. 89, sec. 49B(e)). The Committee helps the Commissioner formulate regulations and standards for elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, and moving walks.
The Commissioner of Labor and Industry appoints the Committee's thirteen members.
ELEVATOR SAFETY REVIEW BOARD
In October 2001, the Elevator Safety Review Board was created (Chapter 703, Acts of 2001). Elevator mechanics and contractors are licensed by the Board.
The Board has nine members. With Senate advice and consent and the advice of the Secretary, the Governor appoints eight members to three-year terms. The ninth member serves ex officio (Code 1957, Art. 89, sec. 49C).
BOILER & PRESSURE VESSEL SAFETY INSPECTION
The Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Inspection unit inspects boilers and pressure vessels used in commercial establishments, places of public gathering, and apartment buildings with six or more units (Code 1957, Art. 48, secs. 167-180A). Any boiler or pressure vessel to be installed in Maryland must be built to a standardized nationwide construction code (American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code). Through periodic inspections and close monitoring of all repair work, the unit ensures the safe operation of boilers and pressure vessels.
The Board has ten members. Nine are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation and Senate advice and consent. One serves ex officio as a nonvoting member. With the advice of the Secretary, the Governor names the chair. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2014 (Code 1957, Art. 48, secs. 167-180A).
RAILROAD SAFETY & HEALTH
Railroad Safety and Health Program. Formed in 1980, the Program conducts inspections to ensure enforcement of State and federal railroad safety requirements (Chapter 834, Acts of 1980). The Program also investigates railroad-related accidents and incidents and responds to citizen complaints involving railroad companies operating in Maryland (Code 1957, Art. 89, secs. 82-99).
In 1995, Regulatory Policy and Programs organized within the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation to oversee three divisions: Financial Regulation; Occupational and Professional Licensing; and Racing.
Functions of the Office of Financial Regulation began in 1980. The Office regulates banking and consumer credit. It supervises the operation of banks, credit unions, consumer loan companies, sales finance companies, mortgage companies, and collection agencies.
The Office is headed by the Commissioner of Financial Regulation who is appointed by the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation with the approval of the Governor and Senate advice and consent. The Commissioner oversees Bank Supervision, and Consumer Credit Regulation, and holds office at the pleasure of the Secretary. Authorization for the Commissioner continues through July 1, 2012 (Chapter 326, Acts of 1996; Code Financial Institutions Article, secs. 2-101 through 2-112).
BANK SUPERVISION
In Maryland, bank supervision started when the office of the State Bank Commissioner was created in 1910 (Chapter 219, Acts of 1910). Functions of that office became the responsibility of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation in 1996.
Over all banking institutions in the State, except national banks, the Commissioner's office has general supervision. It must examine each institution at least once every 18 months, at such other times as the Commissioner deems expedient, and at any time upon request of the board of directors of the institution. These examinations may be made in conjunction with federal regulatory agencies. The Office of Financial Regulation also handles consumer complaints against institutions under its jurisdiction.
Banks. Every bank, trust company, and mutual savings bank is required to submit under oath to the Commissioner of Financial Regulation at least two reports in each calendar year. The reports must exhibit in detail the resources and liabilities of the institution.
All new State banking institutions must incorporate under the supervision of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation and must obtain a certificate before opening for business. The Commissioner must approve all applications for a branch office made by a State bank, trust company, or mutual savings bank, and must pass upon all amendments to their charters, as well as the establishment of affiliates and subsidiaries. Mergers or voluntary liquidations and acquisitions of State-chartered banks also must be approved by the Commissioner (Code Financial Institutions Article, secs. 2-101 through 5-1007).
Credit Unions. The Commissioner of Financial Regulation supervises all State-chartered credit unions and is required to examine these institutions at least once each year. All credit unions must report annually to the Commissioner (Code Financial Institutions Article, secs. 6-101 through 6-704). Under the Credit Union Law, any seven or more Maryland residents sharing common occupational, residential or social experiences or characteristics may act as incorporators to form a credit union and apply to the Commissioner of Financial Regulation for permission to organize.
State-chartered credit unions may be insured by the National Credit Union Administration or the Credit Union Insurance Corporation (Chapter 658, Acts of 1973). The Commissioner of Financial Regulation must certify to the Corporation a credit union's financial affairs, solvency, management, and directorship as being approved for insurance of its members' shares and deposit accounts (Code Financial Institutions Article, secs. 7-101 through 7-117).
Tax-Exempt Financial Institutions. Eligible tax-exempt financial institutions may apply to the Commissioner of Financial Regulation to be supervised and examined by the Commissioner (Code Financial Institutions Article, sec. 12-701). These institutions must be nonstock corporations exempt from taxes under the Internal Revenue Code (sec. 501 (c)(3)), as amended; and financial institutions engaged solely in extending credit and loans to socially or economically disadvantaged businesses for their business and commercial development. In addition, a majority and all controlling members of such financial institutions must be persons designated and approved by any banking institution or national banking association.
Sellers of Money Orders and Travelers' Checks. The Sellers of Money Orders and Travelers' Checks Law requires the Commissioner of Financial Regulation to supervise and regulate persons issuing checks, drafts, and money orders for a fee. Persons who wish to transact such business in Maryland must procure an annual license from the Commissioner. All such persons must report periodically to the Commissioner on agent charges, financial structure, and other conditions relative to their functions under the Law (Code Financial Institutions Article, secs. 12-401 through 12-424).
The Board is composed of nine members. Eight are appointed to six-year terms by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. The Comptroller of Maryland serves ex officio (Code Financial Institutions Article, secs. 2-201 through 2-204). Authorization for the Board continues through July 1, 2012.
The Board regulates debt collection agencies. It issues, suspends, and revokes licenses; reprimands licensees; and receives and investigates written complaints from consumers. It may hold a hearing on allegations of violations of the Consumer Debt Collection Act by a debt collection agency. The Board also mediates disputes between consumers and debt collection agencies and may subpoena witnesses for attendance and testimony. In the mediation process, it may recommend monetary compensation to the consumer.
Five members comprise the Board. They are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. Chaired by the Commissioner of Financial Regulation, the Board serves without compensation. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2012 (Code Business Regulation Article, secs. 7-201 through 7-206).
Standards of performance for several vocations are enforced by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Created in 1980, the Division supervises a variety of specialized occupations, including accountants, architects, barbers, cosmetologists, engineers, home improvement contractors, and real estate brokers. The Division also regulates the sports of boxing and wrestling and oversees cemeteries as well.
The Division oversees and coordinates fifteen boards, four commissions, one oversight office, and an investigative unit. The Commissioner plans and directs the daily administrative, fiscal and technical functions of these agencies and administers all aspects of their licensing laws.
The Governor appoints the Board's seven members to five-year terms with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation and Senate advice and consent. The Governor also names the chair. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2013 (Code Business Occupations and Professions Article, secs. 3-101 through 3-702).
The Commission's five members are appointed to six-year terms by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Authorization for the Commission continues until July 1, 2011 (Code Business Regulation Article, secs. 4-201 through 4-208).
The Board has seven members. They are appointed to five-year terms by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. The Governor names the president, secretary, and treasurer. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2011 (Code Business Occupations and Professions Article, secs. 4-101 through 4-701).
With the Governor's approval, the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation appoints the Director (Code Business Regulation Article, secs. 5-201 through 5-206).
The Board is composed of seven members appointed to three-year terms by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2011 (Code Business Occupations and Professions Article, secs. 5-101 through 5-702).
The five-member Board is appointed to two-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent and the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2010 (Code Business Occupations and Professions Article, secs. 5.5 -101 through 5.5-602).
With Senate advice and consent, the Governor appoints the Board's nine members to three-year terms. Authorization for the Board extends to July 1, 2013 (Code Business Occupations and Professions Article, secs. 6-101 through 6-702).
The Governor appoints the Board's five members with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Members serve three-year terms. Authorization for the Board ends July 1, 2005 (Public Local Laws of Baltimore City, 1969, Art. 4, secs. 1-6).
Provisions of the registration law are enforced by the Board which restrains any violation of it. The Board can investigate charges as well as hear complaints of violations, subpoena witnesses, require the submission of documents or other data, and apply for relief by injunction.
The Board has seven members. They are appointed to five-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent and the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2013 (Code Business Occupations and Professions Article, secs. 14-101 through 14-602).
With Senate advice and consent, the Governor appoints the Board's seven members to five-year terms. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2015 (Code Business Occupations and Professions Article, secs. 7-101 through 7-602).
The Governor appoints the Board's seven members with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation and Senate advice and consent. Members serve three-year terms. The Governor designates the chair. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2013 (Code Business Regulation Article, secs. 9A-101 through 9A-602).
The Commission's seven members are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. The Governor names the chair with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Authorization for the Commission continues until October 1, 2012 (Code Business Regulation Article, secs. 8-101 through 8-702).
The Board's seven members are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation and Senate advice and consent. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2014 (Code Business Occupations and Professions Article, secs. 8-101 through 8-602).
All persons seeking to practice surveying in Maryland must submit their qualifications to the Board or pass its examination before receiving a certificate of registration to practice. Through the cooperation of local chapters of the surveying fraternities, the Board seeks to secure voluntary compliance with the law and maintain the ethical standards of the profession. The Board also enforces the provisions of the registration law and restrains any violations of it. The Board can investigate charges, as well as hear complaints of violations, subpoena witnesses and documents or other pertinent data, and apply for relief by injunction.
The Board is a member of the National Council of Examiners of Engineers and Surveyors, which aids in the reciprocal licensing of surveyors and seeks to promote uniform standards of licensing in all states.
With the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, the Governor appoints the Board's six members to five-year terms. The Governor names the chair. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2013 (Code Business Occupations and Professions Article, secs. 15-101 through 15-702).
The Board comprises five members. They are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation and with Senate advice and consent. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2013 (Code Business Occupations and Professions Article, secs. 9-101 through 9-702).
The Board consists of nine members appointed for two-year terms by the Governor. The Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (or designee) serves ex officio and the eight remaining members are appointed with the Secretary's advice. The Governor names the chair. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2013 (Code Business Occupations and Professions Article, secs. 11-101 through 11-802).
The Board has nine members. They are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation and Senate advice and consent. The Governor names the chair. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2013 (Code Business Occupations and Professions Article, secs. 12-101 through 12-702).
Subject to the authority of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, the Board examines applicants for certificates as certified public accountants; judges applications by certified public accountants of other states for reciprocal certificates; and enrolls certified public accountants, corporations, and partnerships engaging in certified public accounting services. Examinations are held each May and November. The Board issues certificates to those who pass the examinations or whose applications for reciprocal certificates are approved. For specified causes, the Board may revoke or suspend any such certificate, registration, or enrollment after written notice to the holder and reasonable opportunity for a hearing. In 1970, the General Assembly established minimum educational requirements for applicants and gave the Board jurisdiction over professional ethics.
The Board's seven members are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2015 (Code Business Occupations and Professions Article, secs. 2-101 through 2-702).
The Commission may revoke, refuse, or suspend a license and reprimand or fine a person up to $2,000 per violation for unethical conduct or violation of the real estate laws. Since 1971, the Commission has administered the Real Estate Guaranty Fund of Maryland (Chapter 648, Acts of 1971). The Fund, in essence, bonds all licensees.
Nine members comprise the Commission. They are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation and Senate advice and consent. Authorization for the Commission continues until July 1, 2012 (Code Business Occupations and Professions Article, secs. 17-101 through 17-702).
Any person who wishes to provide real estate appraisal services in Maryland must be licensed by the Commission. Home inspectors also are licensed and regulated by the Commission.
The Commission's fifteen members are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation and Senate advice and consent. Nominated by the Commission, the Executive Director is appointed by the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Authorization for the Commission continues until July 1, 2013 (Code Business Occupations and Professions Article, secs. 16-101 through 16-802).
The Division of Racing originated in 1980 as the Division of Sports and Recreation within the Department of Licensing and Regulation, and reorganized under its present name in 1985. The Division of Racing oversees the work of the Maryland Racing Commission. The Maryland Racing Commission, through the Division of Racing, regulates thoroughbred and harness horse racing.
MARYLAND RACING COMMISSION LABORATORY
8075 Greenmead Drive
College Park, MD 20740
The Maryland Racing Commission Laboratory performs drug testing for all racetracks under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Racing Commission. After each race, the winning horse and a second horse from the same race are tested. Persons registered with or licensed by the Commission are not routinely tested for drugs, but may be tested under the reasonable cause rule.
Since 1996, the Commission has served as the Board of Directors for the Maryland Jockey Injury Compensation Fund, Inc. (Chapter 341, Acts of 1996). For jockeys it licenses to ride thoroughbred horses, the Commission (acting as the Board) secures workers' compensation insurance coverage on a blanket basis.
The Commission's nine members are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. The Governor names the chair. The Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation appoints the Executive Director. Authorization for the Commission continues until July 1, 2011 (Code Business Regulation Article, secs. 11-201 through 11-214).
In 1962, the Maryland-Bred Race Fund Advisory Committee began administering the Maryland-Bred Race Program and the Maryland-Bred Race Fund (Chapter 137, Acts of 1962). The Fund is supported by an assessment on each thoroughbred track licensee of a portion of the mutuel pool of all its horse races during the year. The Fund is then apportioned between a purse for races involving Maryland-bred horses and awards given to breeder, owner, and stallion for horses bred in Maryland.
The Committee consists of five members appointed to one-year terms by the Maryland Racing Commission with the approval of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Authorization for the Committee continues until July 1, 2011 (Code Business Regulation Article, secs. 11-529 through 11-541).
MARYLAND STANDARDBRED RACE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
6336 Rosecroft Drive
Fort Washington, MD 20744
The Maryland Standardbred Race Fund Advisory Committee was introduced in 1971 (Chapter 771, Acts of 1971). The Committee assists and advises the Maryland Racing Commission on the administration of the Standardbred Race Program, the Standardbred Race Fund, and the Standardbred Sires Stakes Program. The Standardbred Race Fund is supported by an assessment on each harness track licensee of a portion of the mutuel pool of all its horse races during the year. The Fund is then used as a purse for races involving standardbred horses.
The Committee has six members. Five are appointed to four-year terms and the chair to a one-year term by the Maryland Racing Commission with the approval of the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Authorization for the Committee continues until July 1, 2011 (Code Business Regulation Article, secs. 11-623 through 11-636).
With enactment of Maryland's Unemployment Compensation Law in December 1936, the Division of Unemployment Insurance began as the Unemployment Compensation Board. In 1937, the Board was superseded by the Department of Employment Security (Chapter 314, Acts of 1937). The Department's Unemployment Insurance Division administered the unemployment insurance law until 1970. In that year, the Department reorganized as the Department of Employment and Social Services (Chapter 96, Acts of 1970). That department's Employment Security Administration carried on administrative duties and in 1975 was renamed the Unemployment Insurance Division of the Department of Human Resources (Chapter 382, Acts of 1975). In 1983, the Division was transferred to the Department of Employment and Training and renamed the Unemployment Insurance Administration. As the Office of Unemployment Insurance, it became part of the Division of Employment and Training under the Department of Economic and Employment Development in 1987 (Chapter 311, Acts of 1987). With the Division of Employment and Training, it transferred in 1995 to the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (Chapter 120, Acts of 1995). In July 2003, the Office was restructured as the Division of Unemployment Insurance.
Unemployment Insurance Program. The Division supervises this program which is carried out by seven claim centers statewide (Code Labor and Employment Article, secs. 8-101 through 8-1505). In accordance with the Maryland Unemployment Insurance Law, the Division collects contributions from employers covered by the Law, collects quarterly wage information on covered employees, determines weekly benefits and eligibility in accordance with this wage information, and issues benefit checks to eligible claimants. It reviews benefit payments, recovers any improperly made, and pays benefits to individuals who formerly worked in Maryland but now reside in other states. As provided by reciprocal interstate agreement, the Division also collects Maryland residents' claims against employers in other states.
Using an experience rating system, the Unemployment Insurance Law allows a reduced contribution rate for employers who maintain steady employment. All funds collected under the Law are deposited with the U.S. Treasury for the credit of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund of Maryland and may be used only to pay benefits. All claims for unemployment insurance benefits and weekly certification of eligibility now are done by telephone to one of the seven claim centers.
BENEFITS & SPECIAL PROGRAMS SECTION
The Benefits and Special Programs Section determines claimants' eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits. The Section administers the receipt and processing of claims, adjudication of ineligible claims, and fraud detection and prosecution. The Section also oversees interstate combined wage and federal unemployment benefit programs.
CONTRIBUTIONS SECTION
Employer tax accounts are established by the Contributions Section which assigns rates, charges benefits, and collects taxes on each account. The Section also collects all delinquent accounts and maintains the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.
INTERNAL ANALYSIS SECTION
The Internal Analysis Section administers benefits and revenue quality control; benefits payment control; internal security and program integrity; and management and analysis for the Unemployment Insurance Program. The Section also coordinates the agency's responses to all audits performed by outside auditors. It assigns and tracks corrective action to ensure that deficiencies are remedied. Each year, it coordinates and directs statewide the Unemployment Insurance Quality Appraisal (federally mandated) to ensure continued funding of the Unemployment Insurance Program.
Maryland public and private resources for employment and job training are coordinated by the Division of Workforce Development (Code Labor and Employment Article, secs. 11-101 through 11-408).
1100 North Eutaw St., Baltimore, Maryland, April 2001. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Within the Division are three offices: Employment Services; Employment Training; and Labor Market Analysis and Information. The Division also administers local offices of employment and training in each county and Baltimore City.
1100 North Eutaw St., Room 209
Baltimore, MD 21201
Known as the Maryland Job Service, the Office of Employment Services provides a statewide public labor exchange to match employers with job seekers. The Office also carries out programs for Alien Registration, America's Job Bank, Statewide Disabled Veterans Outreach, Local Veterans Employment Representative, Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers, Tax Credit, and Unemployment Insurance Work Test.
Functions of the Office of Employment Services date to 1902, when the Chief of the Bureau of Industrial Statistics was instructed to organize and operate a free State employment agency (Chapter 365, Acts of 1902). That responsibility in 1916 transferred to the State Board of Labor and Statistics with the additional duty of investigating causes of unemployment and possible solutions (Chapter 406, Acts of 1916). Since 1936, the State's employment service also has administered the unemployment insurance law.
Created in 1937, the Department of Employment Security included the Employment Service Division. The Division continued under the Department of Employment and Social Services, created in 1970; and under the Employment Security Administration of the Department of Human Resources, formed in 1975. When the Department of Employment and Training was established in 1983, the Division became the Maryland Job Service under the Department's Job Training and Placement Division. In 1987, the Maryland Job Service became part of the Division of Employment and Training within the Department of Economic and Employment Development. In 1995, the Office of Employment Services moved with the Division of Employment and Training to the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. In July 2003, the Office became part of the Division of Workforce Development.
CAREERNET
CareerNet, Maryland's website for information on finding jobs, career planning, and employment training, went on-line in November 1995. It can be accessed through the public library system, community colleges, and at other CareerNet sites throughout the State.
Opened in October 1992, the Professional Outplacement Assistance Center provides job search assistance to individuals in professional, technical and managerial occupations.
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
1100 North Eutaw St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Management Information Systems began as Job Bank Central in 1975. Renamed Central Processing in 1982, it reorganized under its present name in 1987. It directs the statewide data bank which serves both employers and job seekers. Management Information Systems also designs automation programs for communication among employers, those seeking work, and the Maryland Job Service.
MANAGEMENT SUPPORT & SPECIAL PROGRAMS TEAM
In December 1994, the Management Support and Special Programs Team formed. The Team markets employment services to employers and job seekers, plans the budget, and helps all teams with budget administration. The Team also administers several special programs.
Alien Labor Certification Program.
Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers Program.
Tax Credit Program.
OPERATIONS & PLANNING TEAM
The Operations and Planning Team provides support and direction to all Maryland Job Service offices. It also supports the State's economic community through innovations in services to employers and job seekers.
In 1976, the Office of Employment Training was established as the State Manpower Planning Office within the Department of Human Resources. The Office reorganized in 1979 as the Training and Employment Office under the Community Programs Administration of the Department of Human Resources. In 1983, the Office became the Job Training and Placement Administration under the Department of Employment and Training, and was renamed in 1987 as the Office of Employment Training under the Division of Employment and Training within the Department of Economic and Employment Development. As part of the Division of Employment and Training, the Office transferred to the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation in 1995. Within the Department, it joined the Division of Workforce Development in July 2003.
The Office administers programs authorized by the federal Workforce Investment Act. These include employment and training for economically disadvantaged adults and youth, and dislocated workers. Programs encompass vocational training, counseling, and on-the-job training, as well as summer employment and training for youth. Some programs are run by local service delivery areas and private industry councils.
In accordance with federal law, the Governor designated twelve local service delivery areas, which consist of a county or group of counties. In each, a private industry council decides what employment and training services are needed. Appointed by local government, the councils represent State and local government, community colleges, and private industry.
The Office also supports the Department's management of the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Program.
Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Program. Created by the federal Family Support Act, the Program offers employment training, education, employment support services, and job placement to recipients of public assistance. The Office works with local private industry councils which conduct the Program with other local agencies of social services, education, and economic development.
To help find jobs, the Unit arranges access to job banks, and training in resume writing, interviewing and other job search skills. It provides information about skills and occupations in high demand, prevailing wages, and transferrable skills. The Unit helps workers secure education in basic skills, and vocational training, including computer literacy, and academic subjects. Counseling covers financial matters, such as the wise use of severance packages and limited incomes, and how to deal with the emotional aspects of losing a job, and searching and competing for a new one. Coordinated by the Unit, services are provided by local agencies and programs and paid for with federal funds.
The Office of Labor Market Analysis and Information organized as Research and Analysis in the Department of Employment Security by 1958. The Office became part of the Department of Employment and Social Services in 1970, and the Department of Human Resources in 1975. It joined the Department of Employment and Training in 1983. Renamed the Office of Labor Market and Analysis Information, it was restructured to fall under the Division of Employment and Training in 1987.
A comprehensive labor market information system is developed and maintained by the Office. The system includes data on employment, unemployment, and other factors relating to labor supply and demand. It also covers trends in industrial and occupational structure, wage levels, and the demographics of the labor force. This information aids employers, job seekers, and administrators, managers, and planners concerned with labor market conditions and trends. Federally funded, the Office works cooperatively on surveys and reporting systems with the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor.
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