Md. Code, Human Services, Title 2

Md. Code, Human Services, Title 2
in effect

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-101

(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “Department” means the Department of Human Services. (c) “Secretary” means the Secretary of Human Services.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-202

(a) (1) With the advice and consent of the Senate, the Governor shall appoint the Secretary of Human Services. (2) The Secretary is the head of the Department. (b) Before taking office, the appointee shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution. (c) (1) The Secretary serves at the pleasure of the Governor and is responsible directly to the Governor. (2) The Secretary shall advise the Governor on all matters assigned to the Department and is responsible for carrying out the Governor’s policies on those matters. (d) The Secretary is entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget. (e) The Secretary shall have a seal.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-203

(a) The Secretary is responsible for the operation of the Department and shall establish guidelines and procedures to promote the orderly and efficient administration of the Department. (b) The Secretary may establish, reorganize, or abolish areas of responsibility in the office of the Secretary as necessary to fulfill effectively the duties assigned to the Secretary.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-204

(a) With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary shall appoint three deputy secretaries. (b) The deputy secretaries: (1) serve at the pleasure of the Secretary; and (2) are entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget. (c) The deputy secretaries have the duties delegated by the Secretary. (d) The Secretary shall designate a deputy secretary to be the acting secretary when the Secretary is absent from the State or otherwise unavailable.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-205

(a) In accordance with the State budget, the Secretary may employ a staff attached to the office of the Secretary. (b) The Secretary may designate a staff assistant to be in charge of a particular area of responsibility. (c) (1) (i) The Secretary shall appoint each staff assistant in the office of the Secretary in charge of a particular area of responsibility and each professional consultant. (ii) An employee specified in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph: 1. is in the executive service or management service of, or is a special appointment under, the State Personnel Management System; and 2. serves at the pleasure of the Secretary. (2) Unless otherwise provided by law, the Secretary shall appoint and remove all other employees in the office of the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-206

If the Secretary is required by law to make an appointment with the approval of the Governor to a particular office in the Department and the appointee is required to serve at the pleasure of the Secretary, the Secretary may not remove the appointee without first obtaining the Governor’s approval.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-207

(a) The appointment or removal of personnel by a unit in the Department is subject to the approval of the Secretary. (b) The Secretary may delegate the power of approval established under subsection (a) of this section to the head or governing body of the unit.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-208

(a) This section does not apply to a unit in the Department to the extent that the unit is authorized by law to employ its own legal adviser or counsel. (b) The Attorney General is the legal adviser to the Department. (c) The Attorney General shall assign to the Department the number of assistant Attorneys General that are authorized by law for the Department and its units. (d) (1) The Attorney General shall designate one of the assistant Attorneys General assigned to the Department as counsel to the Department and may not reassign that individual without consulting with the Secretary. (2) The counsel may have no duty other than to give the legal aid, advice, and counsel required by the Secretary or any other official of the Department, to supervise the other assistant Attorneys General assigned to the Department, and to perform for the Department the duties that the Attorney General assigns. (3) The counsel shall perform the duties specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection subject to the control and discretion of the Attorney General.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-209

(a) The Secretary shall adopt regulations for the office of the Secretary. (b) (1) The Secretary shall review regulations proposed by a unit in the Department. (2) The Secretary may approve, disapprove, or revise regulations proposed by a unit in the Department.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-211

(a) The Secretary is responsible for planning activities of the Department. (b) The Secretary may review and approve, disapprove, or revise the plans, proposals, and projects of units in the Department.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-213

In addition to any advisory boards established by law, the Secretary, with the approval of the Governor, may create advisory boards or use as an advisory board any existing commission established by executive order.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-301

The following units are in the Department: (1) the Child Support Administration; (2) the Family Investment Administration; (3) the Social Services Administration; (4) the Maryland Commission for Women; (5) the Two Generation Family Economic Security Commission; and (6) any other unit that by law is declared to be part of the Department.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-302

The Department shall maintain a website on which to post notices of petitions under §§ 5-316(f)(3)(ii), 5-3A-15(d)(3)(ii), and 5-3B-15(f)(3)(ii) of the Family Law Article.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-303

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Career” means an occupation that provides opportunities for upward mobility and professional progress. (3) “Eligible county” means: (i) Baltimore City; (ii) Baltimore County; or (iii) Prince George’s County. (4) “Eligible local school system” means: (i) the Baltimore City public school system; (ii) the Baltimore County public school system; or (iii) the Prince George’s County public school system. (5) “Pilot Program” means the Pilot Program for Human Services Careers established under this section. (6) (i) “Service obligation” means to work in a targeted position for a minimum period of time, as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, during the 8–year period immediately following the awarding of a scholarship under the Pilot Program for Human Services Careers Scholarship established under § 18–3902 of the Education Article. (ii) The service obligation period shall be 15 months for each academic year that the scholarship is awarded, regardless of the credit hours or semesters completed by the recipient during the academic year. (7) “Targeted positions” means the following positions in the Department in an eligible county: (i) Child Support Specialist Series; (ii) Family Investment Specialist Series; (iii) Family Support Worker Series; (iv) Family SVS Caseworker Series; and (v) Social Worker Series. (b) (1) There is a Pilot Program for Human Services Careers. (2) The purpose of the Pilot Program is to: (i) encourage collaboration between the Department and eligible local school systems to assist students in establishing careers in targeted positions in the Department; and (ii) assist current employees of the Department and employees in targeted positions in the Department to establish careers in targeted positions in the Department. (3) The Department shall work with eligible local school systems to meet the requirements under § 7–132 of the Education Article regarding the Pilot Program. (c) (1) In hiring for targeted positions, the Department shall prioritize applicants who: (i) graduated from a high school in an eligible local school system; and (ii) participated in the Pilot Program through the local school system or as an employee of the Department. (2) If an applicant who meets the criteria described in paragraph (1) of this subsection is hired to fill a targeted position in the Department, the Department shall award a one–time stipend of $500 to the employee. (d) (1) If the Department hires an applicant who graduated from a high school in an eligible local school system to fill a targeted position, the Department shall assign to the new employee a mentor who works in the Department. (2) The Department shall: (i) solicit applications from employees to serve as mentors to new employees hired in accordance with this section; (ii) select qualified employees to serve as mentors based on criteria determined by the Department; and (iii) negotiate mentor compensation with each exclusive representative. (3) A mentor assigned to a new employee shall: (i) serve as an expert resource on the Department for the employee; and (ii) be compensated by the Department for serving as a mentor. (4) The Department shall create a support system network for the employees who want to participate in the Pilot Program. (e) (1) The Department shall provide to employees and other interested individuals outside the Department information regarding the career opportunities that are available in targeted positions in the Department. (2) The information shall include: (i) the qualifications necessary for each targeted position; (ii) the salary range for each targeted position; (iii) contact information for individuals who can help employees obtain the qualifications necessary for a targeted position; and (iv) a description of and contact information for the Pilot Program for Human Services Careers Scholarship established under § 18–3902 of the Education Article. (f) The Department, in collaboration with a scholarship recipient, shall develop a work schedule that enables the scholarship recipient to maintain a course load consistent with the intent of the Pilot Program. (g) If an employee obtains a necessary credential or degree to work in a targeted position in the Department, the Department shall award a one–time stipend of $500 to the employee. (h) Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter the minimum qualifications for any of the targeted positions included in this section. (i) On or before December 1, 2024, and each December 1 thereafter, the Department shall collaborate with the eligible local school systems to submit a report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the Pilot Program, including: (1) activities conducted by each eligible local school system to assist students in establishing careers in targeted positions in the Department; (2) the number of individuals participating in the Pilot Program from each eligible local school system and in the Department; and (3) the number of individuals awarded a Scholarship from the Pilot Program for Human Services Careers Scholarship established under § 18–3902 of the Education Article. (j) On or before December 1, 2028, the Department shall submit a report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the effectiveness of the Pilot Program in accomplishing the goals of the Pilot Program in increasing employment in targeted positions in the Department.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-402

(a) There is a Maryland Commission for Women in the Department. (b) The Commission shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly through the Secretary.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-403

(a) The Commission consists of 25 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. (b) Of the 25 members of the Commission: (1) 12 shall be appointed from among applicants who have been nominated and recommended for appointment by organizations located in the State whose interests relate to the status of women; and (2) 13 shall be appointed from among applicants applying on their own behalf. (c) To the extent practicable, in making appointments under this section, the Governor shall ensure geographic diversity among the membership of the Commission. (d) (1) The term of a commissioner is 4 years. (2) The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 2007. (3) A commissioner may not serve more than two consecutive terms. (4) At the end of a term, a commissioner continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. (5) A commissioner who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. (e) A commissioner who fails to attend at least 50% of the regularly scheduled meetings of the Commission during any 12–month period shall be considered to have resigned. (f) Commissioners are not entitled to receive compensation for their services.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-404

(a) The Commission shall elect a chair and a vice chair from among its members. (b) The Commission may appoint any officers that it considers necessary.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-405

(a) The Secretary shall appoint an executive director of the Commission. (b) The executive director shall be a merit employee of the Department. (c) The executive director is entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-406

(a) (1) The Commission shall: (i) stimulate and encourage study and review of the status of women in the State; (ii) strengthen home life by directing attention to critical problems confronting women as wives, mothers, homemakers, and workers; (iii) recommend methods of overcoming discrimination against women in public and private employment; (iv) encourage women to become candidates for public office; (v) promote more effective methods for enabling women to develop skills, continue education, and be retrained; (vi) secure appropriate recognition of women’s accomplishments and contributions to the State; (vii) work to develop healthy attitudes within the framework of the Commission’s responsibilities; and (viii) inform the executive and legislative branches of government on issues concerning women, including offering testimony on these issues before legislative and administrative bodies. (2) The Commission may: (i) act as a clearinghouse for activities to avoid duplication of effort; and (ii) make surveys and appoint advisory committees in fields including education, social services, labor laws and employment policies, law enforcement, health and safety, new and expanded services, legal rights, family relations, human relations, and volunteer services. (b) Through the Secretary, the Commission shall submit an annual report including recommendations based on the Commission’s studies to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly. (c) The Commission may not adopt regulations.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-408

(a) (1) Subject to the approval of the Secretary, the Commission may accept for the purposes of this subtitle: (i) federal funds granted by Congress or executive order; and (ii) private donations from individuals, organizations, or foundations. (2) The acceptance and use of federal funds does not commit State funds or obligate the General Assembly to continue the purposes for which the federal funds are granted. (b) The Department shall include the Commission in its annual budget.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-502

(a) There is a Two Generation Family Economic Security Commission in the Department. (b) The Commission shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly through the Secretary.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-503

(a) The Commission consists of the following members: (1) the Secretary, who shall serve as the ex officio chair of the Commission; (2) two members of the Senate, appointed as follows: (i) one member of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, appointed by the President of the Senate; and (ii) one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; (3) two members of the House of Delegates, appointed as follows: (i) one member of the House Appropriations Committee, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and (ii) one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Delegates; (4) the Secretary of Housing and Community Development, or the Secretary’s designee; (5) the Secretary of Disabilities, or the Secretary’s designee; (6) the Secretary of Health, or the Secretary’s designee; (7) the Secretary of Labor, or the Secretary’s designee; (8) the Secretary of Juvenile Services, or the Secretary’s designee; (9) the Superintendent of the Maryland State Department of Education, or the Superintendent’s designee; (10) one director of a local department of social services, appointed by the Secretary of Human Services in consultation with the Maryland Association of Social Services Directors; (11) one county health officer, appointed by the Secretary of Health in consultation with the Maryland Association of County Health Officers; (12) one member appointed by the Maryland Association of Community Colleges; (13) two public members appointed by the Governor, including at least one parent with experience in child welfare advocacy or community action partnerships; and (14) one member appointed by the Secretary of Human Services who lived in and experienced poverty in Maryland and who was, within the past 3 years before appointment to the Commission, a recipient of public assistance based on the individual’s poverty. (b) To the extent practicable, appointments under this section shall ensure geographic diversity among the membership of the Commission. (c) (1) This subsection applies to commissioners appointed under subsection (a)(10) through (13) of this section. (2) The term of a commissioner is 4 years. (3) The terms of the members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 2020. (4) At the end of a term, a commissioner continues to serve until a successor is appointed. (5) A commissioner who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed. (d) The Department shall provide staff for the Commission. (e) A member of the Commission: (1) may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but (2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

Md. Code, Human Services § 2-504

(a) (1) The Commission shall: (i) investigate policy challenges, opportunities, and recommendations regarding the mitigation of multigenerational poverty; (ii) identify services and policies within State programs that can be coordinated to support a multigenerational approach to addressing poverty; (iii) identify program and service gaps and inconsistencies among federal, State, and local policies; (iv) identify, test, and recommend best practices implemented at the federal, State, and local levels; (v) solicit information and guidance from external sources with direct knowledge and experience in addressing multigenerational poverty; (vi) identify tools to measure and predict the impact of the benefit cliff on an individual family basis; (vii) measure the impact of multigenerational programs; (viii) identify opportunities to coordinate multigenerational services across multiple State agencies; and (ix) collect data to be used in evaluating the effectiveness of programs. (2) The Commission may: (i) utilize federal and State funding to establish and implement programs to address multigenerational poverty; and (ii) partner with local jurisdictions and community action agencies, local departments of social services, and local workforce development areas in implementing programs to address intergenerational poverty. (b) Through the Secretary, the Commission shall submit an annual report including recommendations based on the Commission’s studies to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatutesFetched: 10/16/2026