(a) This section applies only to the Standard Pay Plan.
(b) With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary may amend the Standard Pay Plan to increase pay rates for specific classes to:
(1) recruit or retain competent personnel; or
(2) ensure that pay rates adequately compensate for the effort, knowledge, responsibility, skills, and working conditions of employees in the class.
(c) If an amendment affects a position in the Executive Branch that is listed in the budget bill in accordance with § 7-109 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, the amendment is contingent on the approval of the Board of Public Works.
(d) An amendment to the Standard Pay Plan may not take effect unless sufficient money is available in the budget to cover the resulting pay rates.
(e) (1) Subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, the Secretary shall report all amendments to the Standard Pay Plan to the General Assembly on or before the 15th day of the next regular legislative session.
(2) If the General Assembly rejects an amendment, the appropriate reduction in pay rates takes effect as of the next fiscal year.