ID H0251

Appropriates $17,293,600 to the Division of Human Resources for fiscal year 2024, comprised of $16,049,900 for personnel costs, $1,239,200 for operating expenditures, and $4,500 for capital outlay.

Authorizes the division to maintain no more than 160 full-time equivalent positions during the fiscal year, unless specifically authorized by the Governor with notification to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.

Requires salary structure to increase by an average of 8.5% effective July 1, 2023, except the minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour at pay grade D, and adds a new public safety pay structure.

Allocates $1.20 per hour for permanent employees to be distributed based on merit, with flexibility for agency heads and institution presidents to distribute funds for recruitment and retention in hard-to-fill positions.

Declares an emergency and makes the act effective July 1, 2023.