§4–201.

    (a)    This section does not apply to those units of State government with an independent personnel system.

    (b)    In the State Personnel Management System the Secretary shall:

        (1)    establish classes;

        (2)    assign a rate of pay to each class;

        (3)    ensure that each class comprises one or more positions:

            (i)    that are similar in their duties and responsibilities;

            (ii)    that are similar in the general qualifications required to perform those duties and responsibilities;

            (iii)    to which the same standards and, if required, tests of fitness can be applied; and

            (iv)    to which the same rates of pay can be applied;

        (4)    give each class a descriptive classification title;

        (5)    prepare a description of each class; and

        (6)    (i)    create additional classes; and

            (ii)    abolish, combine, or modify existing classes.

    (c)    The Secretary shall:

        (1)    assign a class to the skilled service, professional service, management service, or executive service, as appropriate; and

        (2)    designate special appointment positions in the State Personnel Management System that:

            (i)    must be filled without regard to political affiliation, belief, or opinion; or

            (ii)    in accordance with § 6–405(b) of this article, may be filled with regard to political affiliation, belief, or opinion.