<section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-101" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Governor's Executive Council"> <text>In this subtitle, “Council” means the Governor’s Executive Council.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-102" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Governor's Executive Council"> <text>There is a Governor’s Executive Council.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-103" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Governor's Executive Council"> <text>The Council includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Lieutenant Governor;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Secretary of State;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the secretary of each principal department of the Executive Branch of the State government;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the State Superintendent of Schools; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the Secretary of Higher Education.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-104" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Governor's Executive Council"> <text>The purposes of the Council are coordination and effective direction and supervision of the State government.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-105" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Governor's Executive Council"> <text>The Governor may appoint an executive secretary for the Council.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-201" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Principal Departments"> <level label="a"> <text>The Executive Branch of the State government shall have not more than 22 principal departments, each of which shall embrace a broad, functional area of that Branch.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The principal departments of the Executive Branch of the State government are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Aging;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Agriculture;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Budget and Management;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Commerce;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Disabilities;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Emergency Management;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>the Environment;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>General Services;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Health;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Housing and Community Development;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Human Services;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Information Technology;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Juvenile Services;</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>Labor;</text> </level> <level label="15"> <text>Natural Resources;</text> </level> <level label="16"> <text>Planning;</text> </level> <level label="17"> <text>Public Safety and Correctional Services;</text> </level> <level label="18"> <text>Service and Civic Innovation;</text> </level> <level label="19"> <text>Social and Economic Mobility;</text> </level> <level label="20"> <text>State Police;</text> </level> <level label="21"> <text>Transportation; and</text> </level> <level label="22"> <text>Veterans and Military Families.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-202" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Principal Departments"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Unless placed by law or expressly exempted from placement by law, the officers and units in the Executive Branch of the State government that are not principal departments may be placed by the Governor in any principal department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless expressly exempted from placement by law, an interstate, regional, or other intergovernmental unit in which the State participates shall be placed in the appropriate principal department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding the placement of a unit in a principal department:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the powers and duties that are assigned by law to the unit are not changed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a State officer or State employee who is not in the State Personnel Management System and is transferred with the unit remains exempt from the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article unless the officer or the employee is placed in the State Personnel Management System in accordance with those provisions; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the head of a unit who is in the State Personnel Management System or holds the position other than at the pleasure of the Governor does not cease to be in the State Personnel Management System or to hold the position other than at the pleasure of the Governor.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-203" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Principal Departments"> <level label="a"> <text>The head of each principal department is a secretary, who shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Governor shall select, on the bases of professional and administrative knowledge and experience, a secretary who has the qualifications required by law.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Unless otherwise provided by law, the secretary of a principal department or, with the approval of the Governor, a designee of the secretary shall represent the State and coordinate its participation in an interstate, regional, or other intergovernmental unit that is in the department.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-204" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Principal Departments"> <text>Under the direction of the Governor, the secretaries of the principal departments are responsible for the prevention and elimination of duplication and overlapping of activities in and among their departments, by coordinating those activities.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-205" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Principal Departments"> <level label="a"> <text>The secretary of each principal department serves at the pleasure of the Governor unless otherwise provided by law.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A secretary shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>receive the salary and have the assistants, employees, and professional consultants provided in the budget, unless otherwise provided by law;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>be responsible for establishing policy to be followed by the units of State government within the secretary’s department;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>be responsible for the efficient and orderly administration of the department;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>be responsible for the comprehensive planning of programs and services within the secretary’s jurisdiction and for reviewing and approving the plans of all units of State government within the secretary’s jurisdiction;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>notwithstanding any other provision of law, and except as provided in § 1–203(c) of the Health Occupations Article, be responsible for the supervision of the units of State government within the secretary’s jurisdiction that are composed in whole or in part of individuals participating in the occupation or profession regulated by the units;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>be responsible for the budget of the secretary’s office and for the budgets of other units of State government within the secretary’s jurisdiction;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>be responsible for the organization of the secretary’s office and for recommending to the Governor changes in the organization and placement of units of State government within the secretary’s jurisdiction; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>recommend to the Governor any modification, abolition, and transfer of advisory bodies within the secretary’s jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A secretary may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>appoint officers and employees in the secretary’s office as provided in the budget and review the personnel action taken by any unit of State government within the secretary’s jurisdiction; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>create the citizen advisory bodies that may be necessary for the operation of the secretary’s department.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-205.1" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Principal Departments"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in § 1–203(c) of the Health Occupations Article, the secretary of each principal department shall supervise each unit of State government within the secretary’s jurisdiction that is composed in whole or in part of individuals participating in the occupation or profession regulated by the unit in order to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>prevent unreasonable anticompetitive actions by the unit; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>determine whether the decisions and actions of the unit further a clearly articulated State policy to displace competition in the regulated market.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the secretary or the secretary’s designee finds that a proposed decision or action of the unit may result in an unreasonable anticompetitive decision or may not further a clearly articulated State policy to displace competition in the regulated marketplace, the secretary or the secretary’s designee shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>review the merits of the proposed decision or action;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>assess whether the proposed decision or action furthers a clearly articulated State policy to displace competition in the regulated market; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>issue expeditiously a written decision approving, disapproving, or modifying the proposed decision or action or remanding the proposed decision or action back to the unit for further review before:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a final decision is issued; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the proposed action is implemented.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The secretary or the secretary’s designee may not approve a decision or an action of a unit that does not further a clearly articulated State policy to displace competition in the regulated market.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A decision or an action of a unit may not constitute a final decision or action of the unit until after the secretary or the secretary’s designee has conducted the review required under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A final decision or action of a unit shall comply with the written decision of the secretary or the secretary’s designee issued in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Neither the secretary nor the secretary’s designee may be an individual who is appointed by, under the oversight of, or a member of a board or commission whose decision or action is the subject of review under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A regulation adopted to carry out this section shall be drafted in consultation with stakeholders and other interested parties.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-206" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Principal Departments"> <text>The secretary of each principal department has authority and responsibility to adopt regulations for all units within the secretary’s jurisdiction, except as otherwise provided by law.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-301" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Executive Action"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor is responsible for a continuing review of the organization of the Executive Branch of the State government.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In addition to any reorganization under Article II, § 24 of the Maryland Constitution, the Governor may order any other reorganization of the Executive Branch that is considered by the Governor to be necessary and desirable and that is not inconsistent with law.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A reorganization under this subsection may include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the reorganization of the principal departments;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the placement of a unit in a principal department; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the transfer of a unit or function from 1 principal department to another.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A reorganization under this subsection may be effected through the issuance of an executive order or the approval of a recommendation that the secretary of a principal department submits. An approval shall be treated as an executive order. However, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the recommendation is not effective unless approved or issued as an executive order.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding any other law that relates to organization of the Executive Branch of the State government, if a program involves more than 1 principal department and cannot be carried out efficiently through cooperation of the departments, the Governor may establish a task force to integrate the services of the departments so as to carry out the program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A task force established under this subsection may exist for not more than 1 year unless the Governor expressly extends the existence of the task force.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Governor shall recommend to the General Assembly the placement of any new program or new unit within an appropriate principal department.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-302" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Executive Action"> <text>Each secretary of a principal department is responsible for recommending to the Governor:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any change in the organization, placement, or name of a unit in the department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any change, abolition, or transfer of an advisory body in the department; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>any centralization or coordination of administrative staff or clerical services in the department, for efficiency and effectiveness.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-303" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Executive Action"> <text>If the name of a unit in the Executive Branch of the State government is set by statute, the name may be changed only by another statute.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-304" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Executive Action"> <text>The Governor shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>make the designation of a unit as the official State agency for participation in a federal program by a written designation that includes the name of the unit and of the program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>give the General Assembly notice of the designation; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>deliver a copy of the designation to the Administrator of the Division of State Documents.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-305" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Executive Action"> <text>The secretary of each principal department and the head of each other unit in the Executive Branch of the State government that is not in a principal department shall include on the website for the department or unit:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an organizational chart that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>shows the major subunits in the unit; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>lists the name and title of each individual who heads a subunit; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a concise description of the department or unit and each subunit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-306" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Executive Action"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>“Change the use, purpose, or function” means an abrupt and material change in the type of clients or incarcerated individuals served in a facility, the licensed purpose of a facility, or the principal activities carried out within a facility.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Change the use, purpose, or function” does not mean a gradual change in clients, incarcerated individuals, or activities due to societal trends or needs.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>“Change the use, purpose, or function” does not include closing a State facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Close a State facility” means to cease, discontinue, or substantially eliminate activities carried out within the State facility.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Exclusive representative” has the meaning stated in § 3–101 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>“Public hearing” means an informational hearing, the sole purpose of which is to obtain public comment and answer public questions.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Public hearing” does not mean a contested case hearing under Title 10, Subtitle 2 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“State facility” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a facility that is owned, leased, or operated by the State for the purpose of providing health, juvenile, or correctional services to clients or incarcerated individuals; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a facility to which 25 or more State employees are regularly assigned.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A principal department of the Executive Branch of the State government may not change the use, purpose, or function of a State facility without complying with the requirements of subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A principal department of the Executive Branch of the State government may not close a State facility without complying with the requirements of subsection (d) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, before a principal department changes the use, purpose, or function of a State facility, the principal department shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>hold a public hearing; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>at least 90 days before the public hearing, give notice to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the public, on the principal department’s website and by press release;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any member of the General Assembly in whose district the State facility is located, by e–mail and certified mail; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>any exclusive representative with bargaining unit employees assigned to the State facility, by e–mail and certified mail.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The principal department shall, at least 30 days before the public hearing, give notice of the hearing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>to the public, on the principal department’s website and by press release;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>to each member of the General Assembly in whose district the facility is located, by e–mail and certified mail; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>to any exclusive representative with bargaining unit employees assigned to the State facility, by e–mail and certified mail.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a government agency or judicial body determines that there is an emergency situation that poses a risk to the health or safety of patients, incarcerated individuals, residents, or employees of a State facility, the principal department may modify the timelines required by this subsection, provided that any modifications made by the principal department shall provide the notice, hearing, and opportunity for comment required by this subsection at the earliest possible date, unless ordered otherwise by the government agency or judicial body.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, before a principal department closes a State facility, the principal department shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>hold a public hearing;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>at least 180 days before the public hearing, give notice to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the public, on the department’s website and by press release;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>each member of the General Assembly representing the district in which the State facility is located, by e–mail and certified mail; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>any exclusive representative with bargaining unit employees assigned to the State facility, by e–mail and certified mail;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>submit a report explaining the closure to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Senate Finance Committee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the House Health and Government Operations Committee; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the House Appropriations Committee;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>at least 270 days before holding the public hearing, make the report required by this paragraph publicly available; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>at least 90 days before holding the public hearing, allow each exclusive representative and a committee listed under item (iii) of this paragraph that receives the report required by this subsection to submit comments on the report.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report required under paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection shall address:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the reasons for the closure;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the plan for continuing or discontinuing the State facility’s operations;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the anticipated budgetary impact of the closure;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>any plans for assisting State employees affected by the closure in finding other employment;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>any plans for assisting the patients, incarcerated individuals, or residents affected by the closure; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>any plans for the State facility after the closure.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a government agency or judicial body determines that there is an emergency situation that poses a risk to the health or safety of patients, incarcerated individuals, residents, or employees of a State facility, the principal department may modify the timelines required by this subsection, provided that any modifications made by the principal department shall provide the notice, hearing, and opportunity for comment required by this subsection at the earliest possible date, unless ordered otherwise by the government agency or judicial body.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Before a principal department leases or purchases land, buildings, or office space to be used for the purpose of providing health, juvenile, or correctional services to clients or incarcerated individuals, the principal department shall give written notice of the proposed use of the land, buildings, or office space to each member of the General Assembly in whose legislative district the property is located.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>A member of the General Assembly may request that the department hold a public hearing on the proposed use.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The department on whose behalf the property is being procured or leased shall hold a public hearing on the proposed use upon the request of a member of the General Assembly.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The department shall give notice of the hearing to the public as provided in subsection (c)(2)(i) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>If, after a principal department ceases its use of a State facility, the principal department or any other principal department plans to recommence operation of the facility as a State facility, and the proposed operation of the facility would change its use, purpose, or function, the principal department shall hold a public hearing on the proposed operation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The principal department shall give notice of the hearing to the public as provided in subsection (c)(2)(i) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter or diminish an exclusive representative’s right to bargain.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-3A-01" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="3A" subtitle_name="Appointments in State Government"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Appointing authority” has the meaning stated in § 1–101(b) of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Office” means the Appointments Office in the Office of the Governor that performs the function of recommending to the Governor the appointment or nomination of an individual to serve as a member of a State or local board, commission, council, committee, authority, task force, or other entity that by law requires the membership to be appointed in whole or in part by the Governor, whether or not the appointment or nomination is with the advice and consent of the Senate or House of Delegates.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office may not direct, overrule, or otherwise take any action regarding the decision of an appointing authority, the Secretary of Budget and Management, or any unit of the Department of Budget and Management to appoint, promote, transfer, reassign, discipline, or terminate an employee under the jurisdiction of the appointing authority.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Only an appointing authority may delegate in writing the authority to act on the appointing authority’s behalf, but only to an employee or officer under the jurisdiction of the appointing authority.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An appointing authority may not delegate the authority to make the final decision on the termination of an employee.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An appointing authority shall notify the Secretary of Budget and Management of any delegation of authority authorized under this section by providing the Secretary a copy of the delegation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-3A-02" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="3A" subtitle_name="Appointments in State Government"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before December 1 of each gubernatorial election year:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Secretary of Budget and Management shall compile a list of the position, pay grade, and title of each employee in the State Personnel Management System who is employed with regard to political affiliation, belief, or opinion under § 4–201(c)(2)(ii) of the State Personnel and Pensions Article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Secretary of Transportation shall compile a list of the position, pay grade, and title of each employee in the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Human Resource System who is employed with regard to political affiliation, belief, or opinion under § 2–103.4(b)(2)(ii) of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary of Transportation shall provide the list of employees required under subsection (a)(2) of this section to the Secretary of Budget and Management on or before December 15 of each gubernatorial election year.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In accordance with § 2–1257 of this article, on or before December 31 of each gubernatorial election year, the Secretary of Budget and Management shall submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Delegates on the total number of State employees employed with regard to political affiliation, belief, or opinion under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-401" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Program Evaluation Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Committees of jurisdiction” means the committees of the General Assembly that routinely handle the policy issues and legislation related to a specific governmental activity or unit subject to review under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Department” means the Department of Legislative Services.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Evaluation” means the process of legislative review of a governmental activity or unit used to determine:</text> <level label="1"> <text>whether the governmental activity or unit should be reestablished or terminated; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>what, if any, statutory or nonstatutory changes should be recommended to the General Assembly to improve the operations of the governmental activity or unit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Governmental activity” means a program, service, or other function of government.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Office” means the office in the Department of Legislative Services designated by the Executive Director of the Department.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-402" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Program Evaluation Act"> <level label="a"> <text>The General Assembly finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a framework that allows for periodic, legislative review of the regulatory, licensing, and other governmental activities of the Executive Branch of the State government is essential for the maintenance of a government in which the citizens have confidence and of a healthy State economy; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>this legislative review is consistent with other activities and goals of the General Assembly.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purposes of this subtitle are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>establish a system of legislative review that will:</text> <level label="i"> <text>determine whether a governmental activity is necessary for the public interest; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>make units that are responsible for necessary governmental activities accountable and responsive to the public interest; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>ensure that the legislative review takes place by establishing, by statute, a process for the review and other legislative action.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-403" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Program Evaluation Act"> <text>This subtitle applies only to the following governmental activities and units:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Acupuncture Board, State (§ 1A–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Amusement Ride Safety, State Advisory Board (§ 3–303 of the Business Regulation Article);</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Apprenticeship and Training Council (§ 11–403 of the Labor and Employment Article);</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Architects, State Board of (§ 3–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Athletic Commission, State (§ 4–201 of the Business Regulation Article);</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, and Speech–Language Pathologists, State Board of Examiners for (§ 2–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Barbers, State Board of (§ 4–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Behavior Analyst Advisory Committee (§ 17–6A–05 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Boiler Rules, Board of (§ 12–904 of the Public Safety Article);</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Cemetery Oversight, Office of (§ 5–201 of the Business Regulation Article);</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Chiropractic Examiners, State Board of (§ 3–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Collection Agency Licensing Board, State (§ 7–201 of the Business Regulation Article);</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Community Health Resources Commission, Maryland (§ 19–2102 of the Health – General Article);</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>Cosmetologists, State Board of (§ 5–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="15"> <text>Counselors and Therapists, State Board of Professional (§ 17–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="16"> <text>Dental Examiners, State Board of (§ 4–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="17"> <text>Dietetic Practice, State Board of (§ 5–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="18"> <text>Electricians, State Board of Master (§ 6–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="19"> <text>Elevator Safety Review Board (§§ 12–819 through 12–841 of the Public Safety Article);</text> </level> <level label="20"> <text>Engineers, State Board for Professional (§ 14–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="21"> <text>Engineers, State Board of Stationary (§ 6.5–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="22"> <text>Environmental Health Specialists, State Board of (§ 21–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="23"> <text>Financial Regulation, Office of (§ 2–101 of the Financial Institutions Article);</text> </level> <level label="24"> <text>Foresters, State Board of (§ 7–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="25"> <text>Health Care Commission, Maryland (§ 19–103 of the Health – General Article);</text> </level> <level label="26"> <text>Health Services Cost Review Commission, State (§ 19–202 of the Health – General Article);</text> </level> <level label="27"> <text>Heating, Ventilation, Air–Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors, State Board of (§ 9A–201 of the Business Regulation Article);</text> </level> <level label="28"> <text>Home Improvement Commission, Maryland (§ 8–201 of the Business Regulation Article);</text> </level> <level label="29"> <text>Horse Industry Board, Maryland (§ 2–701 of the Agriculture Article);</text> </level> <level label="30"> <text>Individual Tax Preparers, State Board of (§ 21–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="31"> <text>Interior Designers, State Board of Certified (§ 8–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="32"> <text>Labor and Industry, Division of (Title 2 of the Labor and Employment Article) and related programs;</text> </level> <level label="33"> <text>Land Surveyors, State Board for Professional (§ 15–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="34"> <text>Landscape Architects, State Board of Professional (§ 9–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="35"> <text>Law Examiners, State Board of (§ 10–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="36"> <text>Marine Contractors Licensing Board (§ 17–201 of the Environment Article);</text> </level> <level label="37"> <text>Maryland–Bred Race Fund Advisory Committee (§ 11–531 of the Business Regulation Article);</text> </level> <level label="38"> <text>Massage Therapy Examiners, State Board of (§ 6–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="39"> <text>Morticians and Funeral Directors, State Board of (§ 7–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="40"> <text>Nursing, State Board of (§ 8–201 of the Health Occupations Article), including the allied health advisory committees under the jurisdiction of the Board;</text> </level> <level label="41"> <text>Nursing Home Administrators, State Board of Examiners of (§ 9–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="42"> <text>Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board (§ 5–302 of the Labor and Employment Article);</text> </level> <level label="43"> <text>Occupational Therapy Practice, State Board of (§ 10–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="44"> <text>On–site Wastewater Professionals, State Board of (§ 9–11A–05 of the Environment Article);</text> </level> <level label="45"> <text>Optometry, State Board of Examiners in (§ 11–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="46"> <text>Pharmacy, State Board of (§ 12–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="47"> <text>Physical Therapy Examiners, State Board of (§ 13–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="48"> <text>Physicians, State Board of (§ 14–201 of the Health Occupations Article), including the allied health advisory committees under the jurisdiction of the Board;</text> </level> <level label="49"> <text>Pilots, State Board of (§ 11–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="50"> <text>Plumbing, State Board of (§ 12–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="51"> <text>Podiatric Medical Examiners, State Board of (§ 16–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="52"> <text>Prescription Drug Monitoring Program in the Maryland Department of Health (§ 21–2A–02 of the Health – General Article);</text> </level> <level label="53"> <text>Psychologists, State Board of Examiners of (§ 18–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="54"> <text>Public Accountancy, State Board of (§ 2–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="55"> <text>Racing Commission, State (§ 11–201 of the Business Regulation Article);</text> </level> <level label="56"> <text>Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors, State Commission of (§ 16–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="57"> <text>Real Estate Commission, State (§ 17–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="58"> <text>Residential Child Care Program Professionals, State Board for Certification of (§ 20–202 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="59"> <text>security systems technicians, licensing and regulation of (§ 18–201 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article);</text> </level> <level label="60"> <text>Sign Language Interpreters, State Board of (§ 9–2410 of this article);</text> </level> <level label="61"> <text>Social Work Examiners, State Board of (§ 19–201 of the Health Occupations Article);</text> </level> <level label="62"> <text>Standardbred Race Fund Advisory Committee, Maryland (§ 11–625 of the Business Regulation Article);</text> </level> <level label="63"> <text>Veterinary Medical Examiners, State Board of (§ 2–302 of the Agriculture Article);</text> </level> <level label="64"> <text>Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators, State Board of (§ 12–201 of the Environment Article); and</text> </level> <level label="65"> <text>Well Drillers, State Board of (§ 13–201 of the Environment Article).</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-404" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Program Evaluation Act"> <level label="a"> <text>When directed by the Legislative Policy Committee, the Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee, the Executive Director, the Director of the Office of Policy Analysis, or the Director of the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability, the Office shall conduct an evaluation of a governmental activity or unit and the statutes related to the governmental activity or unit.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office, in consultation with the committees of jurisdiction, shall develop a work plan for an evaluation conducted under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The evaluation report for an evaluation conducted under subsection (a) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall be consistent with the work plan developed under subsection (b) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may address the governmental activity’s or unit’s:</text> <level label="i"> <text>efficiency;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>effectiveness;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>role in protecting consumers;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>sufficiency of resources; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>accomplishment of legislative objectives.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On completion, the Department shall submit each evaluation report, including draft legislation to implement any recommended statutory changes, to the committees of jurisdiction.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-405" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Program Evaluation Act"> <text>On or before the 10th day of the regular session of the General Assembly in the year after the evaluation of a governmental activity or unit has been completed, the committees of jurisdiction for the governmental activity or unit shall hold a public hearing to receive testimony on the evaluation report from the Department, the unit under evaluation or responsible for the governmental activity under evaluation, and the public.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-406" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Program Evaluation Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to § 2–1257 of this article, on or before the 20th day of the regular session of the General Assembly in the year after an evaluation of a governmental activity or unit has been completed, the committees of jurisdiction for the governmental activity or unit shall submit a report to the General Assembly.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The report shall recommend whether a governmental activity or unit that has undergone an evaluation should be reestablished, with or without changes, or allowed to terminate.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report shall be accompanied by each bill that is needed to accomplish the recommendations in the report.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-407" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Program Evaluation Act"> <level label="a"> <text>During an evaluation conducted under § 8–404 of this subtitle, the unit under evaluation or responsible for the governmental activity under evaluation shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>promptly provide any information that the Department or a committee of the General Assembly requests; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>otherwise cooperate with the Department to carry out the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Information requested under subsection (a)(1) of this section may be provided in a format that protects the confidentiality of individuals as necessary.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall follow procedures to maintain the confidentiality of any information, documents, or proceedings obtained or observed in the course of carrying out the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-408" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Program Evaluation Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Each unit subject to termination or responsible for the governmental activity subject to termination shall ensure that legislation is requested to extend the termination date of the unit or governmental activity.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Legislation requested in accordance with subsection (a) of this section may not propose a reestablishment period that exceeds 10 years.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-409" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Program Evaluation Act"> <text>The term of office of a member of a unit under evaluation or responsible for a governmental activity under evaluation is not affected by reason of reestablishment of the governmental activity or unit unless the law that reestablishes the governmental activity or unit provides otherwise.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-410" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Program Evaluation Act"> <level label="a"> <text>The termination of a governmental activity or unit or repeal of its statute in accordance with this subtitle is not a reason for dismissal of any claim or right of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the unit that is terminated or is responsible for the governmental activity that is terminated; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any person against that unit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State shall assume these claims and rights.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-411" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Program Evaluation Act"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Program Evaluation Act.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-501" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Special Education Ombudsman"> <level label="a"> <text>A member of a State board or commission appointed by the Governor who fails to attend at least 50% of the meetings of the board or commission during any consecutive 12-month period shall be considered to have resigned.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Not later than January 15 of the year following the end of the 12-month period the chairman of the board or commission shall forward to the Governor:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the name of the individual considered to have resigned; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a statement describing the individual’s history of attendance during the period.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, after receiving the chairman’s statement the Governor shall appoint a successor for the remainder of the term of the individual.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If the individual has been unable to attend meetings for reasons satisfactory to the Governor, the Governor may waive the resignation if the reasons are made public.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-502" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Special Education Ombudsman"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A member of a State board or commission shall be suspended without pay from participation in the activities of the board or commission if the member is convicted of or enters a plea of nolo contendere to any crime that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is a felony; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is a misdemeanor related to the member’s public duties and responsibilities and involves moral turpitude for which the penalty may be incarceration in any penal institution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The suspension shall continue during any period of appeal of the conviction.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the conviction becomes final, the member shall be removed from the office and the office shall be deemed vacant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the conviction of the member is reversed or otherwise vacated:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the member shall be reinstated to the office for the remainder, if any, of the term of office during which the member was so suspended or removed; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>all pay and benefits shall be restored from the date of the suspension or removal.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-503" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Special Education Ombudsman"> <text>The official letterhead stationery of each department, agency, or instrumentality of the State shall include the telephone number of the individual public office that uses the stationery.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-504" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Special Education Ombudsman"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Department” means a principal department of the Executive Branch of State government.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Independent unit” means a unit in the Executive Branch of State government that is not in a department.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Mask” means to redact from public view those portions of a public record that contain personal information, without permanently altering the original public record.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Official custodian” means an officer or employee of the State who, whether or not the officer or employee has physical custody and control of a public record, is responsible for keeping the public record.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Person in interest” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an individual that is the subject of personal information contained in a public record or a designee of the individual; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>if the individual has a legal disability, the parent or legal representative of the individual.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>“Personal information” means an individual’s:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Social Security number; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>driver’s license number.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <level label="i"> <text>“Public record” means the original or any copy of any documentary material that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is made by a unit or instrumentality of the State government or received by the unit in connection with the transaction of public business; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is in any form, including:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>a card;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>a computerized record;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>correspondence;</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>a drawing;</text> </level> <level label="E"> <text>film or microfilm;</text> </level> <level label="F"> <text>a form;</text> </level> <level label="G"> <text>a map;</text> </level> <level label="H"> <text>a photograph or photostat;</text> </level> <level label="I"> <text>a recording; or</text> </level> <level label="J"> <text>a tape.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Public record” includes a document that lists the salary of an employee of a unit or instrumentality of the State government.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>“Public record” does not include a digital photographic image or signature of an individual, or the actual stored data thereof, recorded by the Motor Vehicle Administration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <text>“Publicly post or display” means to intentionally make available to the public.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as otherwise provided by law, on or after June 1, 2010, a department or an independent unit, to the extent practicable, may not publicly post or display on an Internet website maintained or paid for by the department or independent unit an individual’s personal information.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A person in interest may request an official custodian to mask personal information in the Internet version of a public record.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A request made in accordance with this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>be in writing; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>provide an adequate description of the public record including a name and address or type and location of the public record.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Within 30 days after receiving a request under this section, an official custodian shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>mask the personal information in the Internet version of the record; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>give the person in interest written notice of the action taken.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>This subsection does not apply to a public record after 72 years from the date it was made or received by a unit or instrumentality of the State government.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-505" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Special Education Ombudsman"> <text>No board or commission in control of a unit in the Executive Branch of the State government may finally adopt a resolution or regulation at a meeting not open to the public.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="8-506" title_number="8" title_name="Organization of Executive Branch" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Special Education Ombudsman"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Department” means a principal department established under § 8–201 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Independent unit” means a unit in the Executive Branch of State government that is not a department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before October 1, 2024, each department and independent unit shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>create a catalog of each type of permit, license, or certificate that it issues; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>submit the catalog required under item (1) of this subsection to the Governor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A catalog created under subsection (b) of this section shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a description of each permit, license, or certificate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the term for which each issued permit, license, or certificate is valid;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the statutory and regulatory authority that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>authorizes or requires the department or independent unit to issue the permit, license, or certificate; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>establishes a timeline within which a department or independent unit must process and issue the permit, license, or certificate, if any;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the method and process used by the department or independent unit to accept applications for each permit, license, or certificate, including a list of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>prior significant updates to the method and process; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the current information technology system used, and any remaining associated tasks still performed manually with the system;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>an estimate of the length of time to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>determine if an application is complete; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>make a final determination to issue, waive, or deny the permit, license, or certificate;</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the application fee charged for each permit, license, or certificate and how the revenue collected from application fees is allocated;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>any statutory or regulatory authority that may impact an applicant’s ability to receive a permit, license, or certificate based on the criminal history of the applicant;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>an analysis and any recommendations by the department or independent unit on the appropriate length of time to promptly process completed applications for each permit, license, or certificate and factors impeding the timely processing of each permit, license, or certificate; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>statutory or regulatory changes and resources that could expedite the processing timeline.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On or before December 1, 2024, each department and independent unit shall post on its website an interim description, to the extent practicable, of the application process for each permit, license, or certificate it issues, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any updates to the application process in the preceding 12–month period; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the time to process each application type.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>On or before October 1, 2025, and each year thereafter, each department and independent unit shall post on its website a completed update of the information required under subsection (d) of this section applicable to the immediately preceding 12