Kansas House Bill HB2253

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Report Pass: 2/14/23

Caption

Establishing a state employment preference for persons with disabilities and expanding the state employment preference for veterans.

Impact

The legislation affects the broader landscape of employment law within Kansas, aiming to enhance job opportunities for disabled individuals in state government roles. By mandating that employment notices and application forms indicate the availability of a disability preference, the bill seeks to create a clearer pathway for potential applicants. Additionally, the preference extends to the retention of employees with disabilities during personnel reductions, which could substantially influence job security among this demographic.

Summary

House Bill 2253 establishes a state employment preference for individuals with disabilities within the Kansas state government. The bill specifies that qualified individuals with disabilities should be given preference for hiring and promotions if they meet the performance standards of the positions, with or without reasonable accommodations. This initiative is intended to promote inclusivity and equal job opportunities for people with disabilities, while also stipulating that veterans can maintain their existing hiring preferences in cases where they apply for the same positions as individuals with disabilities.

Contention

While many advocates have praised the bill as a progressive move towards inclusivity, there are potential concerns regarding the implications for hiring practices within state agencies. Critics may argue that establishing a preference could lead to questions about meritocracy and qualifications, especially in highly competitive fields. However, the bill tries to balance these concerns by ensuring that only qualified individuals benefit from the preference, and it allows for the integration of reasonable accommodations to support disabled employees effectively.