SB 273 Summary

• Establishes the state personnel department and state civil service system dividing state employees into classified service (requiring just cause for dismissal after probation) and unclassified service (at-will employment).

• Classifies state employees under federal merit system requirements for unemployment insurance, foster care, SNAP, Medicaid, occupational safety, and Social Security programs.

• Prohibits the state from recognizing or bargaining with employee organizations, requiring employees to join unions, or enforcing collectively bargained agreements; makes such contracts void and unenforceable.

• Allows state employees to associate with employee organizations and petition for grievances outside work time, but prohibits strikes; violations are Class A misdemeanors with forfeiture of civil service rights.

• Creates complaint and appeal process for classified employees challenging adverse personnel actions through appointing authority, director, and state employees appeals commission; becomes effective July 1, 2011.