Maryland House Bill HB605

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/22
• Refer: 1/31/22

Caption

Natural Resources Police Force - Hiring and Promotion Plan - Requirement

Impact

The bill has significant implications for state hiring practices and could serve as a model for other governmental agencies aiming to enhance diversity and representation within their ranks. It directly affects the composition of the Natural Resources Police Force and could influence overall recruitment strategies within the state. Failing to meet stated goals could result in financial penalties, including the withholding of $500,000 in funding from the Department of Natural Resources. Consequently, this financial incentive aims to press the department to prioritize diversity and inclusion in its hiring decisions.

Summary

House Bill 605 mandates the Department of Natural Resources to create and implement a hiring and promotion plan aimed at transitioning the composition of the Natural Resources Police Force to better reflect the demographics of the State of Maryland. The bill stipulates that this transition must be accomplished by September 30, 2027, and establishes specific goals for achieving representative diversity within the police force. By requiring the department to consult with the Natural Resources Police Force in developing this plan, the bill seeks to ensure that the perspectives and needs of the existing force are included in future hiring protocols.

Contention

Opponents of the bill may raise concerns regarding the feasibility and implications of achieving such demographic representation within the police force. Additionally, the financial penalties for non-compliance may be viewed as excessive or unnecessarily punitive by critics who argue that this approach could lead to hasty hiring practices rather than fostering an inclusive and thorough recruitment strategy. The requirement for a plan publication prior to the initiation of any promotions could also spark contention, with detractors arguing that it may undermine merit-based promotions within the department.