ID S1398

Appropriates $259,300 to the Commission on Hispanic Affairs for fiscal year 2015 (July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015), consisting of $167,700 for personnel costs and $91,600 for operating expenditures from General Fund, Miscellaneous Revenue Fund, and Federal Grant Fund sources.

Limits the Commission on Hispanic Affairs to no more than 3 full-time equivalent positions during fiscal year 2015, unless specifically authorized by the Governor, with required notification to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee for any increased positions.

Directs a 1% upward adjustment to the compensation schedule to move salaries toward market rates and continuation of current payline exception job classifications for recruitment and retention.

Authorizes ongoing 1% salary increases for state employees and the equivalent of a one-time 1% merit-based bonus, with agency directors given flexibility in distribution.

Encourages agency directors to use salary savings from turnover, attrition, or reorganization to provide merit increases to deserving employees and those below policy compensation levels, distinguishing between one-time and ongoing funding uses.