(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, the Office shall be responsible for implementation and oversight of the Maryland as a Model Employer Initiative.
(b) The purpose of the Initiative shall include:
(1) promoting the recruitment, hiring, retention, and career advancement of people with disabilities across State government;
(2) conducting and coordinating outreach to job seekers with disabilities and State government to encourage participation in the Initiative;
(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) assisting State government agencies and units to attract qualified job seekers with disabilities to available positions;
(5) promoting access to and acquisition of assistive technology for new State employees with disabilities;
(6) evaluating State employment practices and policies and making recommendations regarding ways to reduce barriers for job seekers and employees with disabilities;
(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) reporting on the Initiative’s outcomes in compliance with subsection (c) of this section.
(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) progress and outcomes of the Initiative; and
(2) recommendations developed by the Initiative for continued improvement of State government employment practices for people with disabilities.