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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 941

Overview

HB 941, introduced in the 136th General Assembly of Ohio, proposes the creation of a new section (124.143) in the Revised Code to address the elimination of vacant state civil service positions. The bill aims to streamline staffing by requiring regular review of vacant positions and automatic elimination of those that have remained vacant for an extended period.

Purpose and intent

  • To reduce inefficiencies and potential costs associated with keeping permanent full-time state civil service positions vacant.
  • To provide a structured process to identify and eliminate dormant positions, freeing resources for active roles or other priorities.

Key provisions

Regular reviews of vacancies

  • An appointing authority must review all vacant positions every 30 days.
  • The first review must be completed no later than 30 days after the section’s effective date.

Elimination of long-term vacant positions

  • If a permanent full-time position has been vacant for 90 days or more, the appointing authority must eliminate that position.

Notification and adjustments to the job classification plan

  • When a position is eliminated under this section, if the position is included in the job classification plan (as established by the director of administrative services under section 124.14), the appointing authority must notify the director.
  • Upon receiving the notification, the director must update the job classification plan accordingly.

Affected parties

  • State appointing authorities responsible for civil service positions (e.g., agencies and departments within the state government).
  • The director of administrative services, who maintains the job classification plan referenced in the bill.
  • Civil service job classifications that include positions identified as vacant and subject to elimination under the 90-day rule.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Implementation begins with an initial vacancy review within 30 days after the bill’s effective date.
  • Ongoing reviews occur every 30 days thereafter.
  • A position must reach 90 days of vacancy before elimination becomes mandatory.
  • Elimination triggers an update to the official job classification plan, ensuring the plan reflects staffing changes.

Practical impact

  • Potential reduction in idle or unfilled permanent positions, enabling reallocations of funds and resources to active positions or program needs.
  • More dynamic and transparent vacancy management within state government.
  • Administrative workflow changes, requiring timely reporting to the director of administrative services to keep the classification plan current.

Notes

  • The bill does not specify exemptions or considerations for positions that may be temporarily vacant due to leaves, transfers, or other legitimate delays; it focuses on permanent full-time positions vacant for 90+ days.
  • The summary reflects only the introduced text; subsequent amendments could alter scope or procedures.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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