HB468 Summary

• Effective October 1, 2019, all Department of Corrections employees in the correctional officer classification series receive a one-time two-step salary increase without affecting normal annual merit raises, within established pay ranges.

• Amends Section 36-26-35 to allow Department of Corrections employees requiring law enforcement certification to receive payment for accrued and unused annual leave hours exceeding 480 hours, up to a maximum of 80 hours per year, calculated at the employee's regular rate of pay.

• Expands the bonus incentive program under Section 14-1-20 to include payment for successful completion of training programs and attainment of career milestones, with bonuses ranging from $1,500 to $2,625 depending on achievement type.

• Increases the cap on total bonus payments per employee from $3,500 to $7,500, with bonuses payable through December 31, 2025, and no payments made after that date or to employees who separate after April 1, 2019.

• Requires annual reporting to the Legislature on bonus program expenditures by the Department of Corrections; bonus payments do not count toward retirement or other benefit calculations.