Assembly Bill 507 proposes significant changes to the state civil service system in Wisconsin. Key modifications include replacing competitive procedures with competitive examinations for appointments and promotions, establishing a preference system for veterans and their spouses during the certification process, and extending the deadline for making appointments from 30 to 60 days after certification. The bill also reduces the standard probationary period for new hires from one year to six months and allows for reinstatement privileges for employees who leave the classified service without misconduct for up to five years. Additionally, it alters the criteria for layoffs, allowing appointing authorities to consider factors such as seniority and performance.

The bill further revises the just cause standard for disciplinary actions against permanent classified employees, requiring just cause for adverse employment actions while eliminating the need for progressive discipline in certain cases. It also changes the threshold for considering an employee's position abandoned from three working days to five consecutive working days. Several sections of current law are repealed or amended, including provisions related to the grievance procedure and the certification of eligible applicants, with the aim of streamlining the civil service process and enhancing the efficiency of hiring and disciplinary actions.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 20.865(1)(dm), 20.865, 20.928(1f), 20.928, 62.13(4)(d), 62.13, 63.08(1)(f)1, 63.08, 63.08(1)(f)2, 63.08(1)(f)3, 63.37, 63.39(2m), 63.39, 66.0509(1), 66.0509, 230.01(2)(bm), 230.01, 230.01(2)(bp), 230.04(13m), 230.04, 230.04(14), 230.04(19), 230.046(2), 230.046, 230.05(10), 230.05, 230.06(1)(m), 230.06