The bill SB 487-FN establishes a new Personnel Appeals Board within the Department of Administrative Services, consisting of five members appointed by the governor. This board will have the authority to hear and decide appeals related to personnel decisions, with the power to subpoena witnesses and documents. It will operate with its own budget and staff, although initially supported by the Department of Administrative Services. The bill repeals six statutes related to the department, indicating a reorganization of its functions. The board's responsibilities exclude appeals on performance evaluations, leave without pay, and certain classification decisions, and it includes provisions for conflict of interest and removal of board members.

Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for appeals regarding employee classification, disciplinary actions, and conflicts of interest within the state classified service. It limits the board's authority in creating new job titles and specifies criteria for considering disciplinary appeals. The bill mandates reinstatement and compensation for employees if actions against them are found discriminatory or in violation of rules. It amends RSA 21-I:52, I to prohibit employment discrimination based on various factors, including political opinions and gender identity. The bill also removes the requirement for a hearing before the personnel appeals board in cases of substantial conflict of interest due to holding elective public office or other employment. The act will take effect on September 17, 2024, following its approval on July 19, 2024. There are no specific insertions or deletions marked in the provided text.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-I:52
As Amended by the Senate: 21-I:52
Version adopted by both bodies: 21-I:52
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 21-I:52