House Bill 527 enables counties to participate in the Maryland Technology Internship program.

HB 527 would authorize local governments to participate in the program in the same way as technology-based businesses. The Maryland Technology Internship Program connects college students and recent graduates with small innovative businesses in the technology sector through internships. The Program incentivizes businesses to participate by offering a stipend of up to 50% for each paid intern.

MACo submitted written testimony in support of HB 527 to the Education and Health and Environmental Affairs Committee on March 21, 2018.

From MACo Testimony:

The bill properly leaves the decision for establishing a program in the hands of local
governments, who are best situated to determine whether a program is in their best interest. If a program is established, it requires both the county and the State to split the costs for paid interns, disbursing financial burdens and ensuring that the State is equally invested in the advancement of its students and workforce.

Counties support and encourage efforts to incentivize and strengthen internship programs that promote a strong and competent workforce.”

For more on this and other legislation, follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2018 legislative session here.