1. (a) Beginning July 1, 2026, the Office shall be responsible for implementation and oversight of the Maryland as a Model Employer Initiative.

2. (b) The purpose of the Initiative shall include:

   1. (1) promoting the recruitment, hiring, retention, and career advancement of people with disabilities across State government;
   2. (2) conducting and coordinating outreach to job seekers with disabilities and State government to encourage participation in the Initiative;
   3. (3) developing and delivering trainings to State agencies and units addressing best practices, resources, and relevant federal and State laws pertaining to the employment of people with disabilities;
   4. (4) assisting State government agencies and units to attract qualified job seekers with disabilities to available positions;
   5. (5) promoting access to and acquisition of assistive technology for new State employees with disabilities;
   6. (6) evaluating State employment practices and policies and making recommendations regarding ways to reduce barriers for job seekers and employees with disabilities;
   7. (7) collecting from each unit of State government, as part of the plans required under § 7-116 of this title, performance goals related to hiring and retention efforts for employees with disabilities and any data deemed necessary by the Secretary to demonstrate performance outcomes; and
   8. (8) reporting on the Initiative's outcomes in compliance with subsection (c) of this section.

3. (c) On or before December 1, 2026, and each December 1 thereafter, the Office shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, on:

   1. (1) progress and outcomes of the Initiative; and
   2. (2) recommendations developed by the Initiative for continued improvement of State government employment practices for people with disabilities.

Added by Acts 2025, c. 1, § 1, eff. July 1, 2025.