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 new language that specifies the department's duty to allocate new unclassified positions to existing grades within the pay plan and to review and reallocate existing positions annually. It also requires that state agency and department heads have the opportunity to make recommendations on proposed changes to the pay plan. Furthermore, any unclassified position that has been vacant for more than twelve months shall be canceled unless an extension is requested and approved. The amendment also mandates that employees, appointing authorities, and the general public be given the chance to provide testimony at a public hearing before the department submits recommendations to the governor.

Additionally, the bill introduces new language that assigns the board of elections separate and distinct employment positions under the unclassified pay plan, specifically for the purpose of 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. Once adopted, the pay plan becomes the official pay schedule for unclassified service positions, with salary adjustments for unclassified employees limited to two grades per year at the maximum of the grade. The act also ensures that unclassified employees are entitled to monetary additives similar to other state employees. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
8107: 36-4-16.2