Section 3-1602 - Findings(a) The General Assembly finds that: (1) low wages of employees at a heightened security interest location can be a substantial factor in the inability of these locations to attract or retain experienced and trained employees; and(2) high turnover rates and inexperience of many employees at a heightened security interest location that result from low wages can hinder the ability of the employees to respond to emergency situations and put at risk the safety, security, and welfare of the residents of the State.(b) The purpose of this subtitle is to set a higher wage standard for employees working at a heightened security interest location to promote the safety, security, and welfare of the residents of the State by:(1) ensuring that employers at a heightened security interest location can attract and retain experienced and trained workers;(2) increasing employee preparedness and improving the ability of employees to assist in emergency responses and evacuations;(3) safeguarding employers and employees against unfair competition that compromises safety;(4) providing a maintenance level that increases employee efficiency, general well-being, and health; and(5) protecting the vitality of a heightened security interest location through improvements to the experience, training, and efficacy of employees in terms of safety and security.Added by 2021 Md. Laws, Ch. 672,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2021.Added by 2021 Md. Laws, Ch. 671,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2021.