HB243 Summary

• Amends Section II of Act 470 (1939) to clarify that employees funded by federal or state funds or private grants are excluded from the classified civil service system.

• Modifies Section XXI layoff procedures to allow appointing authorities to determine layoff order based on critical need for the position and service ratings, rather than seniority alone.

• Permits appointing authorities to establish independent recruitment, testing, interviewing, and hiring programs and allows performance-based pay increases up to the mid-range of established pay plans during the working test period.

• Authorizes appointing authorities to compensate employees on a yearly basis for excess annual leave accumulated beyond the maximum allowed balance, with payments made in whole or in part as determined by the authority's budget and financial condition.

• Requires annual audits by the Personnel Board to ensure compliance with human resources policies and allows employees to file complaints or grievances under existing Personnel Board rules.