§ 8-303. Division of Workforce Development.

   (a) "Public employment office" defined. --

   (1) "Public employment office" means an employment office that does not charge a fee to provide services and is:

      (i) operated by the Department; or

      (ii) maintained as part of a local, State, or federal system of employment offices.

   (2) "Public employment office" includes a branch public employment office.

(b) Statement of purpose. -- The General Assembly accepts the provisions of the Wagner-Peyser Act for establishment of a national employment system and for cooperation in promotion of the system in conformity with § 4 of the Act.

(c) Division established. -- The Division of Workforce Development, established under § 11-102 of this article, is the unit of the State designated to carry out § 4 of the Wagner-Peyser Act.

(d) Staff. -- The Secretary shall employ a staff for the Division of Workforce Development in accordance with § 8-304 of this subtitle and regulations adopted by the United States Secretary of Labor.

(e) Public employment offices -- In general. -- As necessary for administration of this title, the Division of Workforce Development shall establish and maintain public employment offices that do not charge a fee to individuals who seek employment.

(f) Public employment offices -- Agreements with other units. -- To establish and maintain public employment offices, the Secretary:

   (1) may enter into an agreement with the Railroad Retirement Board or any other federal unit that is responsible for administration of an unemployment insurance law, a political subdivision of the State, or any private not-for-profit organization; and

   (2) as part of the agreement, may accept money, services, or office space as a contribution to the Unemployment Insurance Administration Fund.

(g) Financing. -- Money in the Unemployment Insurance Administration Fund that the State receives under the Wagner-Peyser Act is available to the Division of Workforce Development for use under this section in accordance with that Act.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 95A, § 13, 20; 1991, ch. 8, § 2; 1992, ch. 22, § 1; 1993, ch. 22, § 1; 1995, ch. 3, § 1; 1997, ch. 743; 1998, ch. 21, § 1; 2004, ch. 25; 2008, ch. 134.