OK SB853

Amends 56 O.S. Section 26.17 to clarify the Director of Human Services' authority to employ personnel and fix qualifications, duties, and compensation as provided by law.

Increases the maximum percentage of Department of Human Services positions that may be placed in unclassified service from 5% to 10% of full-time-equivalent positions authorized by law, selected at the Director's discretion.

Maintains specific positions in unclassified service including campus police, the legal division, Construction Unit, and Architectural and Engineering Unit.

Establishes that unclassified employees are at-will employees, though classified employees in positions converted to unclassified status may elect to retain classified status.

Effective date is July 1, 2015, with emergency clause allowing the act to take effect upon passage and approval.