2022 -- H 8050

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LC005586

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- MERIT SYSTEM

     Introduced By: Representatives Kazarian, Casimiro, Serpa, Amore, Noret, O'Brien,
Alzate, Potter, Baginski, and Felix

     Date Introduced: March 25, 2022

     Referred To: House Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 36-4-16.4 of the General Laws in Chapter 36-4 entitled "Merit

System" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     36-4-16.4. Salaries of directors.

     (a) In the month of March of each year, the department of administration shall conduct a

public hearing to determine salaries to be paid to directors of all state executive departments for the

following year, at which hearing all persons shall have the opportunity to provide testimony, orally

and in writing. In determining these salaries, the department of administration will take into

consideration the duties and responsibilities of the aforenamed officers, as well as such related

factors as salaries paid executive positions in other states and levels of government, and in

comparable positions anywhere that require similar skills, experience, or training. Consideration

shall also be given to the amounts of salary adjustments made for other state employees during the

period that pay for directors was set last.

     (b) Each salary determined by the department of administration will be in a flat amount,

exclusive of such other monetary provisions as longevity, educational incentive awards, or other

fringe additives accorded other state employees under provisions of law, and for which directors

are eligible and entitled.

     (c) In no event will the department of administration lower the salaries of existing directors

during their term of office.

     (d) Upon determination by the department of administration, the proposed salaries of

directors will be referred to the general assembly by the last day in April of that year to go into

effect thirty (30) days hence, unless rejected by formal action of the house and the senate acting

concurrently within that time.

     (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, for 2015 only, the time period for the

department of administration to conduct the public hearing shall be extended to July and the

proposed salaries shall be referred to the general assembly by August 30. The salaries may take

effect before next year, but all other provisions of this section shall apply.

     (f) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or any law to the contrary, for 2017 only,

the salaries of the director of the department of transportation, the secretary of health and human

services, and the director of administration shall be determined by the governor.

     (g) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or any law to the contrary, for 2021 only,

the salary of the director of the department of children, youth and families shall be determined by

the governor.

     (h) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or any law to the contrary, beginning in

January 1, 2023, the salary of the child advocate of the office of the child advocate shall be one

hundred thirty-five thousand dollars ($135,000) and the salary of the assistant child advocate of the

office of the child advocate shall be one hundred twenty thousand dollars ($120,000).

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- MERIT SYSTEM

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     This act would, effective January 1, 2023, increase the salaries of the child advocate and

the assistant child advocate for the office of the child advocate to $135,000 and $120,000

respectively.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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