(a) This section does not apply to those units of State government with an independent personnel system.
(b) In the State Personnel Management System the Secretary shall:
(1) establish classes;
(2) assign a rate of pay to each class;
(3) ensure that each class comprises one or more positions:
(i) that are similar in their duties and responsibilities;
(ii) that are similar in the general qualifications required to perform those duties and responsibilities;
(iii) to which the same standards and, if required, tests of fitness can be applied; and
(iv) to which the same rates of pay can be applied;
(4) give each class a descriptive classification title;
(5) prepare a description of each class; and
(6) (i) create additional classes; and
(ii) abolish, combine, or modify existing classes.
(c) The Secretary shall:
(1) assign a class to the skilled service, professional service, management service, or executive service, as appropriate; and
(2) designate special appointment positions in the State Personnel Management System that:
(i) must be filled without regard to political affiliation, belief, or opinion; or
(ii) in accordance with § 6–405(b) of this article, may be filled with regard to political affiliation, belief, or opinion.