State Personnel and Pensions (GSP) — Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Subtitle 1. Employee Training Program
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-101 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 1. Employee Training Program
§ 10–101LinkCopy Citation
Except as otherwise provided, this title applies to all employees in the State Personnel Management System.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-102 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 1. Employee Training Program
§ 10–102LinkCopy Citation
There is an employee training program administered by the Department.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-103 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 1. Employee Training Program
§ 10–103LinkCopy Citation
The purposes of the training program are to:
(1)
develop the capabilities of employees;
(2)
train employees to perform their duties with maximum efficiency;
(3)
attract individuals to State employment; and
(4)
train managers and supervisors to be knowledgeable and skilled in the fair application of laws, rules, and guidelines.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-104 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 1. Employee Training Program
§ 10–104LinkCopy Citation
Except as otherwise provided by law, staff supervision of all development and training is the responsibility of the Secretary, to be carried out in accordance with the policies and regulations adopted by the Secretary.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-105 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 1. Employee Training Program
§ 10–105LinkCopy Citation
Public funds may be used to supplement and subsidize training and development only when the Secretary certifies that the expenditures are in accordance with State training policies and regulations.
Subtitle 2. Incentive Awards in the Executive Branch
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-201 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 2. Incentive Awards in the Executive Branch
§ 10–201LinkCopy Citation
In this subtitle, “principal unit” means a principal unit in the Executive Branch of State government, including any unit with independent pay-setting authority.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-202 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 2. Incentive Awards in the Executive Branch
§ 10–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this subtitle applies to all employees of all units in the Executive Branch of State government, including a unit with independent pay-setting authority.
(b)
This subtitle does not apply to any employee who holds a position that is included in the Executive Pay Plan.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-203 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 2. Incentive Awards in the Executive Branch
§ 10–203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “innovative idea” means an invention, innovative suggestion, or any other innovative idea.
(b)
There is an Innovative Idea Awards Program for employees.
(c)
(1)
An innovative idea award may be awarded for an innovative idea that, if implemented, would:
(i)
increase revenue to the State;
(ii)
save money for the State;
(iii)
improve the quality of services delivered to the public; or
(iv)
otherwise significantly benefit the State.
(2)
Except under exceptional circumstances, an award may not be made for an innovative idea that is under active study or continual review by a unit of State government.
(d)
(1)
The head of each principal unit shall establish a labor–management review committee, with half of the members being selected from the exclusive representatives, if any, to evaluate and recommend awards for innovative ideas by employees of that unit.
(2)
(i)
To the extent possible, within 60 days after an innovative idea is submitted to the labor–management review committee, the head of the unit shall decide whether to give an innovative idea award.
(ii)
The innovative idea may be received directly from an employee through an application, or forwarded by the employee’s supervisor.
(e)
For an innovative idea, the head of a principal unit may give an employee of that unit a cash award of not more than:
(1)
$1,000 for an innovative idea with a reasonably ascertainable monetary savings or gain to the State; or
(2)
$300 for any other innovative idea.
(f)
(1)
There is a Governor’s Award Panel.
(2)
The Governor’s Award Panel consists of five members appointed by the Governor, at least three of whom shall be public members who serve without compensation.
(g)
(1)
The head of a principal unit, in consultation with the labor–management review committee, shall submit to the Governor’s Award Panel each innovative idea for which an award is made under subsection (e) of this section, with a recommendation for any additional award by the Governor.
(2)
The Governor’s Award Panel shall:
(i)
review each innovative idea submitted to it;
(ii)
at least once a year, make a recommendation to the Governor about additional awards for the innovative ideas; and
(iii)
recommend to the Governor either monetary or nonmonetary awards for the employees’ innovative ideas.
(h)
(1)
The Governor may make an additional cash award for an innovative idea.
(2)
The cash award may not exceed $20,000.
(3)
The Governor may grant paid administrative leave, not exceeding 20 workdays.
(i)
The State’s use of an innovative idea:
(1)
does not entitle the employee submitting the innovative idea to an award under this section; and
(2)
does not give rise to any claim by the employee or the heirs or assigns of the employee.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-204 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 2. Incentive Awards in the Executive Branch
§ 10–204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is an Incentive Performance Awards Program for employees.
(b)
(1)
An incentive performance award for extraordinary service may be awarded for extraordinary performance in the public interest in connection with an employee's State employment.
(2)
For extraordinary service, the head of a principal unit may make the following awards to an employee or members of a group of employees in that unit:
(i)
cash of not more than $300;
(ii)
a gift of not more than $300 in value;
(iii)
paid administrative leave of not more than 3 days; or
(iv)
any combination of cash, gift, and leave of not more than $300 in value.
(3)
An employee may only receive one incentive performance award under this subsection in any 12-month period.
(c)
(1)
An incentive performance award for outstanding service in connection with State employment over a sustained period or a special State project may be awarded for:
(i)
exceptional performance that exceeds the knowledge, skill, or ability required by the employee's position; or
(ii)
exceptionally meritorious acts or services in the public interest.
(2)
For outstanding service, the head of a principal unit may make a cash award of not more than $3,000 to an employee of that unit.
(3)
An employee may only receive one incentive performance award under this subsection in any 24-month period.
(d)
(1)
Before making an award, the head of a principal unit shall:
(i)
establish criteria for administering the Incentive Performance Awards Program, including standards of eligibility; and
(ii)
ensure that the employees in the unit have copies of the criteria.
(2)
The head of the unit may amend the criteria at any time, but an amendment is not effective until the employees in the unit have been sent a copy of the amendment.
(e)
The head of a principal unit may delegate to any subordinate supervising unit head the authority to make awards under this section.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-205 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 2. Incentive Awards in the Executive Branch
§ 10–205LinkCopy Citation
An award made under this subtitle is in addition to the regular pay of the recipient.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-206 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 2. Incentive Awards in the Executive Branch
§ 10–206LinkCopy Citation
A determination under this subtitle about any award or proposed award is not subject to employee grievance procedures.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-207 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 2. Incentive Awards in the Executive Branch
§ 10–207LinkCopy Citation
A cash award and expenses related to other awards under this subtitle shall be paid:
(1)
from increased revenue or monetary savings attributable to the innovative idea or service;
(2)
from the funds of any principal unit that employs the employee or that benefits from the innovative idea or service; or
(3)
as provided in the State budget.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-208 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 2. Incentive Awards in the Executive Branch
§ 10–208LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
The Secretary shall adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.
(2)
Regulations to implement the Innovative Idea Awards Program shall be made with the concurrence of the Governor's Award Panel.
(b)
(1)
Within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, the head of each principal unit shall submit to the Secretary a report on all awards made under this subtitle.
(2)
The report shall be made on the form and in the manner that the Secretary requires.
Subtitle 3. Length of Service Awards
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-301 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 3. Length of Service Awards
§ 10–301LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle applies to nontemporary employees in the State Personnel Management System.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-302 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 3. Length of Service Awards
§ 10–302LinkCopy Citation
To recognize length of State service, the Secretary shall give to each employee subject to this subtitle an appropriate emblem and certificate for:
(1)
the first 10 years of service; and
(2)
each additional 5 years of service.
Subtitle 4. Miscellaneous Benefits
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-401 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 4. Miscellaneous Benefits
§ 10–401LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section and § 10-404 of this subtitle, this subtitle applies to all employees of all units in the Executive Branch of State government.
(b)
Except as provided in § 10-404 of this subtitle, this subtitle does not apply to a unit with an independent personnel system.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-402 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 4. Miscellaneous Benefits
§ 10–402LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section does not apply to a temporary employee.
(b)
(1)
When a principal unit plans the closure of a facility where 50 or more employees regularly work, that unit shall give the employees of that facility notice of the planned closure of the facility.
(2)
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the notice shall be given at least 6 months before closing a facility.
(3)
In any year in which the Governor fails to include sufficient funds in the annual budget to operate a facility, thereby precipitating the closure of the facility, the notice shall be given no later than 30 days following the submission of the annual budget bill to the General Assembly.
(4)
Whenever the General Assembly in any year fails to appropriate sufficient funds in the annual budget to operate a facility, thereby precipitating the closure of the facility, the notice shall be given no later than 30 days following the close of that session of the General Assembly.
(c)
If requested by an employee who is to be laid off, immediately following the notice, the department or other independent unit that plans the closure shall:
(1)
begin to provide intensive job counseling and training referral for the affected employees;
(2)
make efforts to relocate or transfer the affected employees to other departmental positions in the State; and
(3)
notify the Department of Budget and Management and the Maryland Department of Labor of any employees who are adversely affected.
(d)
The Department of Budget and Management shall:
(1)
develop a list of State classifications with their comparable classifications, if any; and
(2)
with the assistance of the Maryland Department of Labor, make efforts to relocate the affected State employees to vacant State positions.
(e)
The Maryland Department of Labor shall develop a program to assist adversely affected State employees by providing retraining and other appropriate employment and training services.
(f)
The Secretary shall adopt rules and regulations to implement this section.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-403 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 4. Miscellaneous Benefits
§ 10–403LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an employee subject to this subtitle is entitled to reimbursement for the loss of any wearing apparel, jewelry, eyeglasses, or prosthetic device damaged or destroyed as a result of an intentional act by a client, patient, prisoner, or other individual who is in the care or custody of the State.
(2)
Reimbursement is allowed under this section only if:
(i)
the loss occurs while the employee is engaged in the performance of job duties;
(ii)
the item is on the person of the employee when it is damaged or destroyed; and
(iii)
the employee gives a written report of the estimated loss to the employee's immediate supervisor before the close of business on the employee's next workday.
(b)
To the extent that the employee is not reimbursed under any other State law, the employee's unit shall reimburse the employee under this section for the amount of the loss, but not more than $100 for each item.
(c)
Each reimbursement under this section is subject to reasonable verification of the value of the item when the damage or destruction occurs.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 10-404 (2026)
Title 10. Employee Training Program; Awards and Benefits
Subtitle 4. Miscellaneous Benefits
§ 10–404LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Child” means any natural, adopted, or posthumous child, or stepchild, or the decedent who is:
(i)
18 years of age or under; or
(ii)
over 18 years of age and incapable of self–support because of a physical or mental disability.
(3)
“Stepchild” means any child of the surviving spouse who was living with or dependent for support on the decedent at the time of death.
(4)
“Unit of State government” means a unit of State government in the Executive, Legislative, or Judicial branches of State government.
(b)
This section applies to all:
(1)
employees in the State Personnel Management System;
(2)
employees in any other authorized personnel system established for a unit of State government; and
(3)
members of the Maryland National Guard serving on orders issued in accordance with Title 13 of the Public Safety Article or Title 32 of the United States Code.
(c)
(1)
(i)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a death benefit in the amount of $125,000 shall be paid to the surviving spouse, children, or dependent parents of any employee subject to this section who is killed in the performance of duties on or after July 1, 2000.
(ii)
A death benefit may not be paid under this paragraph if an employee is killed as a result of the employee’s negligence.
(iii)
A death benefit may not be paid under this paragraph if a member of the Maryland National Guard who is killed in the performance of duties is eligible to receive dependency and indemnity compensation under rules prescribed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
(2)
(i)
A death benefit in the amount of $50,000 shall be paid to the surviving spouse, children, or dependent parents of any State employee covered by the provisions of § 1–202 of the Public Safety Article who is killed in the performance of duties on or after July 1, 2000.
(ii)
A death benefit may not be paid under this paragraph if an employee is killed as a result of the employee’s negligence.
(iii)
An individual who receives a death benefit under this paragraph may not also receive a death benefit under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(3)
A death benefit under this section shall be in addition to any:
(i)
workers’ compensation benefits;
(ii)
proceeds of any form of life insurance, regardless of who paid the premiums on the insurance;
(iii)
benefit provided to a State employee covered by the provisions of § 1–202 of the Public Safety Article; and
(iv)
except as provided in paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection, benefits paid to a member of the Maryland National Guard, the member’s estate, or the member’s beneficiaries or survivors by the United States.
(4)
For fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the death benefits provided under this subsection in the prior fiscal year shall be adjusted by any change in the calendar year preceding the fiscal year in the Consumer Price Index (All Urban Consumers – United States City Average – All Items), as published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
(d)
(1)
Reasonable funeral expenses, not exceeding $25,000, shall be paid to the surviving spouse, child, or parent or the estate of any employee subject to this section who is killed or dies in the performance of duties.
(2)
For fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the funeral benefit provided in the prior fiscal year shall be adjusted by any change in the calendar year preceding the fiscal year in the Consumer Price Index (All Urban Consumers – United States City Average – All Items), as published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
(e)
(1)
On notification by the head of the unit that employed the decedent, the Secretary shall determine whether a death benefit will be paid under this section.
(2)
If the Secretary determines that a death benefit is payable, payment shall be made:
(i)
to the surviving spouse;
(ii)
if there is no surviving spouse, to the surviving children, in equal shares; or
(iii)
if there is no surviving spouse or children, to the surviving parent or parents, if the parent was a dependent as defined in § 152 of the Internal Revenue Code.
(f)
A death benefit under this section shall be paid out of funds which the Governor may appropriate for that purpose in the State budget.
(g)
A decision of the Secretary under this section:
(1)
is the final administrative decision; and
(2)
is not subject to appeal under Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.