The bill amends Section 36-4-16.2 of the General Laws in Chapter 36-4, titled "Merit System," to update the duties and responsibilities of the Department of Administration regarding the maintenance of a pay plan for unclassified state employees. The amendment includes the insertion of language that specifies the Department of Administration's duty to allocate new unclassified positions to existing grades within the pay plan, review and reallocate existing unclassified positions annually, and provide state agency and department heads the opportunity to make recommendations on proposed changes. Additionally, it requires that any unclassified position vacant for more than 12 months be canceled unless an extension is requested and approved. The amendment also mandates that employees, appointing authorities, and the public be given the chance to provide testimony at a public hearing before the Department submits recommendations to the governor.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new language that assigns the Board of Elections separate and distinct employment positions under the unclassified pay plan, specifically for establishing positions and salaries for Board of Elections employees. The governor has the authority to approve and adopt the pay plan with any necessary changes, and all changes must be included in the normal budget process. The adopted pay plan and regulations will constitute the official pay schedule for unclassified service positions, with salary adjustments for unclassified employees during the Department's review limited to two grades per year at the maximum of the grade. The act also ensures that unclassified employees are entitled to all monetary additives accorded to other state employees. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2755: 36-4-16.2