Senate approves SB 112 allowing more flexible work-week rules for small state offices

The Senate passed first substitute Senate Bill 112, a bill modifying state government work-week rules to provide flexibility for small agency offices and to permit live-person services by phone or internet. Sponsor Senator Osman said the changes respond to constituent requests and agency feedback and aim to reduce overtime costs for tiny offices without reducing public access.

Osman described the measure’s two main elements: for offices with fewer than five employees, the statutory minimum hours would be reduced from 45 to 40 while maintaining Monday–Friday accessibility; and, across agencies, the executive branch would be allowed to provide live-person services using technology (phone or internet) so long as a live person is available to the public. Osman listed several exceptions (Department of Technology Services, DCFS Guardian ad Litem, and security/emergency services) where in-person coverage remains necessary.

Senators discussed the bill and its amendment (amendment 1 under the sponsor’s name) on the floor. Senator Van Tassel spoke in support, noting the amendment helped address rural access issues. Osman characterized the fiscal note as neutral but said he believed the measure would reduce overtime costs and staffing pressures in small offices.

The clerk announced the final roll-call tally for the first substitute as 23 yay, 4 nay, 2 absent. The bill will be sent to the House for further consideration.

Speakers and direct sponsor statements come from the Senate floor record; quoted language and vote tallies reflect the clerk’s announcements.