In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Department” means the Department of Disabilities. “Initiative” means the Maryland as a Model Employer Initiative. “Office” means the Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy. “Secretary” means the Secretary of Disabilities.

There is an Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy within the Department. The purpose of the Office includes: the development and implementation of strategies in the State Disabilities Plan, established under § 7–132 of this title, relating to the employment, training, and career–readiness of individuals with disabilities; performing duties under § 7–114 of this title necessary to support statewide policies and standards relating to the employment, training, and career–readiness of individuals with disabilities; collecting information and data from units of State government relating to the employment, training, and career–readiness of individuals with disabilities, in accordance with § 7–115 of this title; and implementing the Maryland as a Model Employer Initiative, established under § 7–1205 of this subtitle. Beginning in fiscal year 2027, the Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $250,000 for the Office.

The Secretary may adopt regulations as necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.

This subtitle may not be construed to establish an entitlement program.

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