Appropriations committee advances bill making employees of four statewide elected offices at-will

Chairman Andrews led the House Appropriations Committee through a presentation of House Bill 324, which would make employees of the four statewide elected executive offices "at-will" and change how those employees are classified and managed.

The bill would apply the employment framework used by the Legislative Service Office to four statewide elected officials currently under the statewide employment system. Chairman Andrews told the committee the measure also includes an amendment to transfer two full-time positions and $236,720 from A&I to the Office of the State Auditor to handle the personnel work the bill moves.

The measure’s sponsor and supporters said the intent is to give newly elected officials more flexibility to place staff where the office needs them. Christy Racina,…