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Senate circles bill on hiring for people with disabilities after floor concerns
Summary
Senate circled House Bill 17 after extended questioning about whether allowing department-approved on-the-job examinations for people with disabilities would bypass competitive hiring and how 'disability' is defined; sponsor requested time for amendments.
Senators circled House Bill 17, a measure that would permit Utah State Personnel Management to authorize department-approved on-the-job examinations intended to appoint qualified persons with disabilities, after floor debate raised equity and definitional concerns.
Senators on the floor asked whether the bill would allow a department director to circumvent competitive selection by appointing a candidate who self-identifies as disabled without medical verification; supporters said the intent is to provide a trial on the job rather than automatic appointment and that the language could be tightened. Senator Luningquist (floor sponsor) said the bill "allows the department to fill a job through a department approved on the job examination" to give candidates with disabilities a chance to demonstrate ability.
Opponents worried the change could create perceived reverse discrimination by taking candidates with disabilities out of the competitive pool; proponents said they intended to expand opportunity, not create unfair preference. After debate the sponsor asked to re-circle HB17 to work on amendments addressing definitions and safeguards; the Senate adopted the motion to circle the bill for further work.
