1. (a) This section does not apply to those units of State government with an independent personnel system.

2. (b) In the State Personnel Management System the Secretary shall:

   1. (1) establish classes;
   2. (2) assign a rate of pay to each class;

   3. (3) ensure that each class comprises one or more positions:

      1. (i) that are similar in their duties and responsibilities;
      2. (ii) that are similar in the general qualifications required to perform those duties and responsibilities;
      3. (iii) to which the same standards and, if required, tests of fitness can be applied; and
      4. (iv) to which the same rates of pay can be applied;
   4. (4) give each class a descriptive classification title;
   5. (5) prepare a description of each class; and

   6. (6)

      1. (i) create additional classes; and
      2. (ii) abolish, combine, or modify existing classes.

3. (c) The Secretary shall:

   1. (1) assign a class to the skilled service, professional service, management service, or executive service, as appropriate; and

   2. (2) designate special appointment positions in the State Personnel Management System that:

      1. (i) must be filled without regard to political affiliation, belief, or opinion; or
      2. (ii) in accordance with § 6-405(b) of this article, may be filled with regard to political affiliation, belief, or opinion.

Added by Acts 1996, c. 347, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1996. Amended by Acts 2007, c. 592, § 1, eff. June 1, 2007.