Bill > HB10

This bill, relating to executive branch operations, introduces several changes primarily focused on the period leading up to and immediately following a gubernatorial inauguration. It requires the Attorney General to review and approve or disapprove any settlement of litigation exceeding $1,000,000 for an "entity of the executive branch" (defined as departments, programs, cabinets, or administrative bodies within the executive branch) within 180 days before a new governor takes office. The bill also mandates a 24-month probationary period for individuals appointed to classified service positions within 18 months prior to an inauguration if they previously held an unclassified position, and these individuals will not receive hiring or reemployment preferences. Furthermore, any contract executed or renewed through noncompetitive negotiation within 180 days before an inauguration must be certified as an emergency by both the State Treasurer and the secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet, with "executive branch agency" defined to include specific departments and offices. The bill also requires that certain public records be preserved for the Governor-elect and their transition team in the 12 months preceding an inauguration, and violations of this record preservation rule will be a Class A misdemeanor, with the Attorney General having concurrent jurisdiction to enforce it. Additionally, the bill makes changes to the confirmation process for various appointed officials, including cabinet secretaries, members of boards and commissions, and heads of certain departments, requiring Senate confirmation for many positions that previously did not. It also modifies probationary periods for certain employees and clarifies the definition of "unclassified service" in relation to these changes.