The Kansas House has advanced a bill that would allow state agencies to move more jobs out of the civil service system. Civil service jobs come with protections from being fired for “non-merit” reasons, including political affiliation
The Department of Administration says the change would give agencies more flexibility in hiring and revamping positions. Republican Representative Erin Davis says changes for current employees would be voluntary. She used the example of a classified employee considering a new unclassified position.
“I will consider that, and make the move if I would like to. I'm not required to,” says Davis.
But Democratic Representative John Carmichael calls it “coercion.”
“There’s nothing voluntary about when you want a promotion or when you want a raise being required to sign away your civil service rights and protections,” says Carmichael.
Legislators also considered if protections should be added to prevent discrimination against LGBT workers, but a majority of the chamber rejected the issue by saying it was not relevant to the bill.
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The Kansas House has advanced a bill that would allow state agencies to move more jobs out of the civil service system. The Department of Administration says the change would give agencies more flexibility in hiring and revamping positions.
Republican Representative Erin Davis says changes for current employees would be optional. She used the example of a classified employee considering a new unclassified position.
“I will consider that, and make the move if I would like to. I’m not required to,” says Davis.
The civil service system includes protections from being fired for non-merit reasons, including political affiliation.
Democratic Representative Pam Curtis says the change would bring Kansas back to the days when public service jobs were political spoils handed out after an election.
“Creating an old, outdated patronage system where they may be subjected to political whims,” says Curtis.
Legislators also considered if protections should be added to prevent discrimination against LGBT workers, but a majority of the chamber rejected the issue by saying it was not relevant to the bill.