(a)    This section does not apply to the University System of Maryland.

(b)    The Secretary shall submit to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1246 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly an annual report covering all units of the Executive Branch of State government, including a unit with an independent personnel system, for each fiscal year that:

(1)    provides information about:

(i)    employee performance and efficiency;

(ii)    use of leave by State employees;

(iii)    incentive awards;

(iv)    whistleblower proceedings;

(v)    each denial of a pay increase, each disciplinary suspension, each grievance, each involuntary demotion, and each rejection on probation; and

(vi)    a summary of the equal employment opportunity report required under § 5–204 of this article, including hiring, firing, promotions, terminations, and rejections on probation, by race, sex, and age;

(2)    provides statistics and rankings that compare minority group State employees to all State employees in all job categories;

(3)    provides information about part–time work and, in the Secretary’s discretion, alternate work schedules, work days, and work locations;

(4)    provides information on the total number of positions designated as special appointments, including special appointments designated with regard to political affiliation, belief, or opinion; and

(5)    makes any recommendations about conditions in State employment that the Secretary considers advisable.

(c)    The report required by this section shall be submitted on or before January 1 following the fiscal year to which it applies.