ID H0633

Appropriates $36,076,200 to the Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2015 (July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015) across eight programs: Administration, Animal Industries, Agricultural Resources, Plant Industries, Agricultural Inspections, Market Development, Animal Damage Control, and Sheep and Goat Health Board.

Authorizes the Department of Agriculture no more than 190.05 full-time equivalent positions during the fiscal year, unless specifically authorized by the Governor, with prompt notification to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee of any increases.

Directs compensation adjustments by adjusting the compensation schedule upwards by 1% to move salary structure toward market rates and continuing existing payline exception job classifications for recruitment and retention.

Provides for an ongoing 1% salary increase for state employees and funding equivalent to a one-time 1% bonus based on employee merit, with distribution flexibility determined by agency directors.

Encourages agency directors and financial management to reinvest salary savings from turnover, attrition, or reorganization efforts into merit increases for deserving employees and those below policy compensation levels.