Maryland State Personnel and Pensions Section 5-202

      (a)      There is an Equal Employment Opportunity Program, which is under the authority of the Secretary.

      (b)      The purpose of the Program is to ensure a system based on merit that provides equal opportunity in employment on the basis of merit and fitness.

      (c)      The following employees and applicants for employment are included in the Program:

            (1)      an employee in any unit of the Executive Branch of State government, including a unit with an independent personnel system; and

            (2)      an applicant for a position in the skilled service, professional service, or management service, of the State Personnel Management System or a comparable position in an independent personnel system in the Executive Branch of State government.