§7–1205.

    (a)    Beginning July 1, 2026, the Office shall be responsible for implementation and oversight of the Maryland as a Model Employer Initiative.

    (b)    The purpose of the Initiative shall include:

        (1)    promoting the recruitment, hiring, retention, and career advancement of people with disabilities across State government;

        (2)    conducting and coordinating outreach to job seekers with disabilities and State government to encourage participation in the Initiative;

        (3)    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;

        (4)    assisting State government agencies and units to attract qualified job seekers with disabilities to available positions;

        (5)    promoting access to and acquisition of assistive technology for new State employees with disabilities;

        (6)    evaluating State employment practices and policies and making recommendations regarding ways to reduce barriers for job seekers and employees with disabilities;

        (7)    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

        (8)    reporting on the Initiative’s outcomes in compliance with subsection (c) of this section.

    (c)    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:

        (1)    progress and outcomes of the Initiative; and

        (2)    recommendations developed by the Initiative for continued improvement of State government employment practices for people with disabilities.