ND HB1236

Each state agency head, including legislative and judicial branches and higher education institutions, must establish an employee compensation and retention committee to review the necessity of filling vacant full-time or part-time positions.

Agencies that determine a position is not necessary to fill may not use general fund savings for any purpose except as specified in the program.

General fund savings from unfilled positions must be allocated as follows: 50% to the general fund, 20% for agency retention bonuses, and 30% to a special account administered by the office of management and budget for distribution to agencies.

Retention bonuses paid under the program cannot be included in an employee's base salary when calculating wage or salary increases.

Bonuses paid under the program are not classified as fiscal irregularities under North Dakota Century Code section 54-14-03.1.