{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-human-services-7-1205","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Human Services § 7–1205","heading":"","body":"(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, the Office shall be responsible for implementation and oversight of the Maryland as a Model Employer Initiative.\n(b) The purpose of the Initiative shall include:\n(1) promoting the recruitment, hiring, retention, and career advancement of people with disabilities across State government;\n(2) conducting and coordinating outreach to job seekers with disabilities and State government to encourage participation in the Initiative;\n(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;\n(4) assisting State government agencies and units to attract qualified job seekers with disabilities to available positions;\n(5) promoting access to and acquisition of assistive technology for new State employees with disabilities;\n(6) evaluating State employment practices and policies and making recommendations regarding ways to reduce barriers for job seekers and employees with disabilities;\n(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\n(8) reporting on the Initiative’s outcomes in compliance with subsection (c) of this section.\n(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:\n(1) progress and outcomes of the Initiative; and\n(2) recommendations developed by the Initiative for continued improvement of State government employment practices for people with disabilities.","path":["Article - Human Services"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=ghu\u0026section=7-1205","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T19:59:17Z","sha256":"0e141cc4a84b5a208b9ae19a137858e6104a0533465650eb1389f56a192e4827","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-human-services-7-1204","next":"us-md/md.-code-human-services-7-1301"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}