Bill > AB453

This bill, by adding Section 19060 to the Government Code, establishes a minimum educational requirement for individuals appointed to state scientist positions on or after January 1, 2012, mandating at least a bachelor's degree in a scientific field from an accredited university. This requirement does not affect those already in state scientist roles before that date or their ability to move between positions within the same classification. The bill defines "state scientist class" as any job classification associated with State Bargaining Unit 10, which represents scientific and engineering professionals, or any supervisory, managerial, or confidential roles related to that unit. Importantly, if this new requirement conflicts with a negotiated agreement, known as a memorandum of understanding (MOU), between the state and State Bargaining Unit 10, the MOU will take precedence, unless it requires additional spending, in which case legislative approval through the annual Budget Act would be necessary.