Committee backs bill to make certain executive‑branch managers at‑will employees

Rep. Josh Tanner told the House State Affairs Committee that House Bill 268 would change how the state classifies certain executive-branch managers by making “executive employees” nonclassified, at‑will employees.

“Nonclassified means at‑will employees versus classified meaning protected class employees,” Tanner said. “This just deals with the terminology of executive employees … it makes them a nonclassified position.”

Tanner described the change as targeted at bureau chiefs and similar decision-makers who have hiring and firing authority. He said directors already are at‑will; HB 268 would extend the at‑will status to some positions that sit below directors but exercise substantial decision-making authority.

Committee members asked for specifics. Representative Akiles requested clearer examples of who would qualify; Tanner said the bill’s statement of purpose and the statutory definition identify people who regularly direct the work of two or more employees and are equivalent to a bureau chief. Representative Holtzclaw asked how many employees would be affected and whether retirement (PERSI) benefits or vacation would change; Tanner said he did not have an exact count and that benefits would not change except in the event of termination.

Several lawmakers expressed support for giving agency directors more flexibility to address what Tanner described as “bad decision‑making employees” without moving employees across agencies for months at a time. Representative Scott moved that the committee send HB 268 to the floor with a due‑pass recommendation; the motion passed by voice vote. Representative Keeling asked to be recorded as voting no on the bill.

No assembly-wide roll-call tally was recorded in the committee transcript. The bill will proceed to the House floor for further consideration.