This bill amends Section 36-4-16.4 of the General Laws in Chapter 36-4 entitled "Merit System." The amendment allows the department of administration to determine the salaries of directors of all state executive departments for the following year. The department will consider factors such as the duties and responsibilities of the directors, salaries of executive positions in other states and levels of government, and salary adjustments for other state employees. The determined salaries will be in a flat amount and will not be lowered during the directors' term of office. The proposed salaries will be referred to the general assembly for approval, and if not rejected, will go into effect thirty days later.

However, for the year 2022 only, the time period for the department of administration to conduct the public hearing will be extended to September and the proposed salaries will be referred to the general assembly by October 30. The salaries may take effect before the next year, but all other provisions of this section will still apply. Additionally, for the year 2023 only, the salary of the director of the department of children, youth and families will be determined by the governor. The bill will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
904: 36-4-16.4