§7–1202.

    (a)    There is an Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy within the Department.

    (b)    The purpose of the Office includes:

        (1)    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;

        (2)    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;

        (3)    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

        (4)    implementing the Maryland as a Model Employer Initiative, established under § 7–1205 of this subtitle.

    (c)    Beginning in fiscal year 2027, the Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $250,000 for the Office.