Wisconsin Senate Bill SB565

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/23/23
• Refer: 10/23/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

The state civil service system. (FE)

Impact

The bill's effects extend to resetting broader systems of public recruitment and employee management. For instance, it alters the timelines set for appointments, extending them from 30 to 60 days after certification and introducing a new framework for handling layoffs based on a combination of seniority and performance rather than purely on job performance. Additionally, the bill establishes specific stipulations regarding employee discipline and reinstatement, making it easier for employees who leave without misconduct to return to civil service roles within specified time frames.

Summary

Senate Bill 565 proposes significant changes to Wisconsin's state civil service system, focusing on revising the hiring practices, employment processes, and the structures surrounding layoffs and discipline. The bill replaces competitive recruitment procedures with a system centered around competitive examinations aimed at establishing merit-based appointments and promotions. A key highlight is the introduction of a veteran preference system that grants additional points during hiring processes for veterans and their qualifying spouses, ensuring they are prioritized during the recruitment phases.

Contention

Notable points of contention arising from the discussions surrounding SB565 include concerns about the extent of the changes proposed, especially regarding the power dynamics in employment decisions. Critics argue that redefining the criteria for just cause in disciplinary actions could undermine employee protections by making it easier for employers to take adverse actions without prior progression in discipline. The proposal also faces scrutiny from local government entities fearing that state-level policies might restrict their ability to address local workforce management issues independently.