MD SB842

Establishes an independent personnel management system for the Public Service Commission (PSC), removing employees from the State Personnel Management System while maintaining eligibility for state retirement and benefits under Divisions II and III of the State Personnel and Pensions Article

Grants the PSC authority to employ or retain consultants and experts as independent contractors, including economists, engineers, lawyers, financial experts, climate experts, and administrative staff, with compensation set by the Commission

Exempts the PSC from State procurement law (with limited exceptions) and from taxation by State and local government

Requires the PSC to submit annual operating budgets to the Department of Budget and Management for informational purposes, maintain accounting records using GAAP, and undergo annual independent audits plus audits by the Office of Legislative Audits

Takes effect July 1, 2026, with current employees remaining in the State Personnel Management System until the PSC adopts its independent personnel system