This bill proposes significant updates to the state personnel system by mandating a standardized hiring process for all state agencies. Key components of the new process include a weighted grade based on candidates' experience and education, an interview panel grade, and a final overall grade. The bill also stipulates that the entire hiring process must be completed within ninety days, with provisions for intervention by the state personnel board if this timeline is exceeded. Additionally, candidates eliminated from consideration must receive written notice explaining the reasons for their disqualification, and they have the right to appeal hiring decisions under specific conditions.

Furthermore, the bill introduces measures to enhance transparency and accountability in the hiring process. It requires that scoring criteria for interviews be published in job postings and that the method for combining grades be transparent. The state personnel board is empowered to review appeals and may direct agencies to reconsider hiring decisions or reopen the hiring process if violations are found. However, the bill exempts the governor's office and certain appointed members from these requirements. It also allows for direct hiring of candidates who achieve a minimum weighted grade of ninety, with the hiring decision announced publicly. The act is titled the "State Agency Hiring Reform Act."

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-755