<section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-101" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="1"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Department” means the Department of Human Services.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Secretary” means the Secretary of Human Services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-201" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="2"> <text>There is a Department of Human Services established as a principal department of the State government.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-202" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="2"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>With the advice and consent of the Senate, the Governor shall appoint the Secretary of Human Services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary is the head of the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before taking office, the appointee shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary serves at the pleasure of the Governor and is responsible directly to the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary shall advise the Governor on all matters assigned to the Department and is responsible for carrying out the Governor’s policies on those matters.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Secretary is entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Secretary shall have a seal.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-203" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="2"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary is responsible for the operation of the Department and shall establish guidelines and procedures to promote the orderly and efficient administration of the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary may establish, reorganize, or abolish areas of responsibility in the office of the Secretary as necessary to fulfill effectively the duties assigned to the Secretary.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-204" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="2"> <level label="a"> <text>With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary shall appoint three deputy secretaries.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The deputy secretaries:</text> <level label="1"> <text>serve at the pleasure of the Secretary; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>are entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The deputy secretaries have the duties delegated by the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Secretary shall designate a deputy secretary to be the acting secretary when the Secretary is absent from the State or otherwise unavailable.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-205" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="2"> <level label="a"> <text>In accordance with the State budget, the Secretary may employ a staff attached to the office of the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary may designate a staff assistant to be in charge of a particular area of responsibility.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Secretary shall appoint each staff assistant in the office of the Secretary in charge of a particular area of responsibility and each professional consultant.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An employee specified in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is in the executive service or management service of, or is a special appointment under, the State Personnel Management System; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>serves at the pleasure of the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless otherwise provided by law, the Secretary shall appoint and remove all other employees in the office of the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-206" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="2"> <text>If the Secretary is required by law to make an appointment with the approval of the Governor to a particular office in the Department and the appointee is required to serve at the pleasure of the Secretary, the Secretary may not remove the appointee without first obtaining the Governor’s approval.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-207" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="2"> <level label="a"> <text>The appointment or removal of personnel by a unit in the Department is subject to the approval of the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary may delegate the power of approval established under subsection (a) of this section to the head or governing body of the unit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-208" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="2"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to a unit in the Department to the extent that the unit is authorized by law to employ its own legal adviser or counsel.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Attorney General is the legal adviser to the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Attorney General shall assign to the Department the number of assistant Attorneys General that are authorized by law for the Department and its units.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Attorney General shall designate one of the assistant Attorneys General assigned to the Department as counsel to the Department and may not reassign that individual without consulting with the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The counsel may have no duty other than to give the legal aid, advice, and counsel required by the Secretary or any other official of the Department, to supervise the other assistant Attorneys General assigned to the Department, and to perform for the Department the duties that the Attorney General assigns.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The counsel shall perform the duties specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection subject to the control and discretion of the Attorney General.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-209" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="2"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall adopt regulations for the office of the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary shall review regulations proposed by a unit in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary may approve, disapprove, or revise regulations proposed by a unit in the Department.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-210" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="2"> <text>The Secretary is responsible for the budget of the office of the Secretary and for the budget of each unit in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-211" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="2"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary is responsible for planning activities of the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary may review and approve, disapprove, or revise the plans, proposals, and projects of units in the Department.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-212" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="2"> <text>The Secretary may exercise or perform any power, duty, responsibility, or function of any unit in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-213" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="2"> <text>In addition to any advisory boards established by law, the Secretary, with the approval of the Governor, may create advisory boards or use as an advisory board any existing commission established by executive order.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-301" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="3"> <text>The following units are in the Department:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Child Support Administration;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Family Investment Administration;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Social Services Administration;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the Maryland Commission for Women; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>any other unit that by law is declared to be part of the Department.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-302" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="3"> <text>The Department shall maintain a website on which to post notices of petitions under §§ 5-316(f)(3)(ii), 5-3A-15(d)(3)(ii), and 5-3B-15(f)(3)(ii) of the Family Law Article.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-303" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="3"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Career” means an occupation that provides opportunities for upward mobility and professional progress.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Eligible county” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Baltimore City;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Baltimore County; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Prince George’s County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Eligible local school system” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Baltimore City public school system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Baltimore County public school system; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Prince George’s County public school system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Pilot Program” means the Pilot Program for Human Services Careers established under this section.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>“Service obligation” means to work in a targeted position for a minimum period of time, as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, during the 8–year period immediately following the awarding of a scholarship under the Pilot Program for Human Services Careers Scholarship established under § 18–3902 of the Education Article.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The service obligation period shall be 15 months for each academic year that the scholarship is awarded, regardless of the credit hours or semesters completed by the recipient during the academic year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>“Targeted positions” means the following positions in the Department in an eligible county:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Child Support Specialist Series;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Family Investment Specialist Series;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Family Support Worker Series;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Family SVS Caseworker Series; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Social Worker Series.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Pilot Program for Human Services Careers.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the Pilot Program is to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>encourage collaboration between the Department and eligible local school systems to assist students in establishing careers in targeted positions in the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>assist current employees of the Department and employees in targeted positions in the Department to establish careers in targeted positions in the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department shall work with eligible local school systems to meet the requirements under § 7–132 of the Education Article regarding the Pilot Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In hiring for targeted positions, the Department shall prioritize applicants who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>graduated from a high school in an eligible local school system; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>participated in the Pilot Program through the local school system or as an employee of the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If an applicant who meets the criteria described in paragraph (1) of this subsection is hired to fill a targeted position in the Department, the Department shall award a one–time stipend of $500 to the employee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Department hires an applicant who graduated from a high school in an eligible local school system to fill a targeted position, the Department shall assign to the new employee a mentor who works in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>solicit applications from employees to serve as mentors to new employees hired in accordance with this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>select qualified employees to serve as mentors based on criteria determined by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>negotiate mentor compensation with each exclusive representative.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A mentor assigned to a new employee shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>serve as an expert resource on the Department for the employee; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>be compensated by the Department for serving as a mentor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department shall create a support system network for the employees who want to participate in the Pilot Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall provide to employees and other interested individuals outside the Department information regarding the career opportunities that are available in targeted positions in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The information shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the qualifications necessary for each targeted position;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the salary range for each targeted position;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>contact information for individuals who can help employees obtain the qualifications necessary for a targeted position; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a description of and contact information for the Pilot Program for Human Services Careers Scholarship established under § 18–3902 of the Education Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Department, in collaboration with a scholarship recipient, shall develop a work schedule that enables the scholarship recipient to maintain a course load consistent with the intent of the Pilot Program.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>If an employee obtains a necessary credential or degree to work in a targeted position in the Department, the Department shall award a one–time stipend of $500 to the employee.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter the minimum qualifications for any of the targeted positions included in this section.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>On or before December 1, 2024, and each December 1 thereafter, the Department shall collaborate with the eligible local school systems to submit a report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the Pilot Program, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>activities conducted by each eligible local school system to assist students in establishing careers in targeted positions in the Department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the number of individuals participating in the Pilot Program from each eligible local school system and in the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the number of individuals awarded a Scholarship from the Pilot Program for Human Services Careers Scholarship established under § 18–3902 of the Education Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>On or before December 1, 2028, the Department shall submit a report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the effectiveness of the Pilot Program in accomplishing the goals of the Pilot Program in increasing employment in targeted positions in the Department.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-304" future_version_removed="true" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="3" /> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-401" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="4"> <text>In this subtitle, “Commission” means the Maryland Commission for Women.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-402" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="4"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Commission for Women in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly through the Secretary.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-403" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="4"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission consists of 25 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Of the 25 members of the Commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>12 shall be appointed from among applicants who have been nominated and recommended for appointment by organizations located in the State whose interests relate to the status of women; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>13 shall be appointed from among applicants applying on their own behalf.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To the extent practicable, in making appointments under this section, the Governor shall ensure geographic diversity among the membership of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a commissioner is 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 2007.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A commissioner may not serve more than two consecutive terms.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>At the end of a term, a commissioner continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A commissioner who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A commissioner who fails to attend at least 50% of the regularly scheduled meetings of the Commission during any 12–month period shall be considered to have resigned.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Commissioners are not entitled to receive compensation for their services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-404" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="4"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission shall elect a chair and a vice chair from among its members.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission may appoint any officers that it considers necessary.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-405" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="4"> <level label="a"> <text>The executive director of the Commission is not considered a special appointee.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The executive director:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall be a merit employee of the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is in the skilled service in the State Personnel Management System.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The executive director is entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-406" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="4"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>stimulate and encourage study and review of the status of women in the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>strengthen the conditions for women in society by directing critical attention to critical problems confronting women in their various roles;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>conduct research on issues that impact women and identify existing disparities;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>conduct studies and assist with programs, seminars, and conferences to raise public awareness about issues impacting women;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>support policies and programs that promote the well–being of women;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>raise public awareness of a wide range of issues affecting women, including economic security, life transitions, and women’s health;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>promote and assist statewide women’s organizations, local commissions for women, and local volunteer programs focused on improving conditions for women;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>advocate for legislation supporting women’s economic empowerment, women’s health, cultural development, social inclusion, and other policies that promote the equality and flourishing of all people;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>recommend strategies to reduce discrimination and increase opportunities for women in employment, education, the law, State government, and elected and appointed positions across professions and within society;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>support partner organization programs on career development, financial wellness, and violence prevention;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>secure appropriate recognition of women’s accomplishments and contributions to the State; and</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>inform the executive and legislative branches of government on issues concerning women, including by offering testimony on these issues before legislative and administrative bodies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>act as a clearinghouse for activities to avoid duplication of effort; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>make surveys and appoint advisory committees in all fields affecting the lives of women in the State, including education, social services, labor laws and employment policies, law enforcement, health and safety, new and expanded services, legal rights, family relations, human relations, and volunteer services.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Through the Secretary, the Commission shall submit an annual report including recommendations based on the Commission’s studies to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commission may not adopt regulations.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-407" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="4"> <text>Each executive unit of the State shall cooperate fully with the Commission in the performance of the Commission’s duties.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-408" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="4"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the approval of the Secretary, the Commission may accept for the purposes of this subtitle:</text> <level label="i"> <text>federal funds granted by Congress or executive order; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>private donations from individuals, organizations, or foundations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The acceptance and use of federal funds does not commit State funds or obligate the General Assembly to continue the purposes for which the federal funds are granted.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall include the Commission in its annual budget.</text> </level> </section>