(Constitutional Amendment) Grants the legislature sole authority to provide for pay increases for persons in state service
If enacted, this amendment would potentially alter the framework of civil service regulations, which currently allow civil service commissions to establish rules regarding employees' compensation. Previously, these commissions were vested with broad authority to dictate salary regulations. HB752 aims to centralize this power within the legislature, which could streamline decision-making regarding employee pay but may also diminish the role of civil service boards in maintaining employee compensation standards, thereby impacting organizational structure within state services.
House Bill 752 proposes a constitutional amendment that grants the legislature sole authority to establish and provide for pay increases for individuals in state service. The bill defines 'person in state service' as anyone holding a position of employment or trust in the state, including various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies. It expressly clarifies that pay increases do not include salary changes resulting from job promotions, thereby focusing only on increases tied to performance or other evaluative criteria. The measure requires public approval through a statewide election.
The sentiment surrounding HB752 appears to be mixed. Proponents advocate for a more unified approach to state employee pay decisions, arguing that granting the legislature this authority could lead to more effective and responsive compensation policies. However, critics express concerns that such a shift could undermine the integrity and independent functioning of civil service commissions. They fear that political influences may come into play, potentially jeopardizing the fair and impartial treatment of state employees in regard to pay-related matters.
Notable points of contention include the potential impact on local governance and the independence of civil service commissions. Those opposed to the bill perceive it as a significant overreach of legislative authority, arguing that state employees should have the protection of a separate governing body that can regulate and provide oversight on matters such as compensation. Furthermore, critics are worried that centralizing pay decisions could lead to inconsistency and inequity across various agencies within the state, particularly in meeting the needs of diverse service areas.