Bill > S1461

This bill mandates that the Human Resources Division, referred to as "the division," conduct a comprehensive study of the job classification system for state employees within the executive branch of the Commonwealth. The purpose of this study is to update current job titles, descriptions (known as job specifications), organizational structures, and required qualifications, with a specific focus on ensuring the system is free from gender and racial bias. The study will also examine how the current system impacts employee pensions and benefits, as well as the recruitment and retention of workers. "Equitable compensation," defined as equal pay for jobs requiring comparable skill, effort, responsibility, and working conditions, is identified as a significant issue, with many job specifications being over twenty years old, contributing to an exodus of skilled workers and hindering the Commonwealth's ability to attract and keep talent. The study, to be conducted subject to available funding, is to be completed and reported by December 31, 2012, with the findings submitted to the State Workforce Advisory Council (referred to as "the council"), legislative committees overseeing state administration, regulatory oversight, labor, and workforce development, and the budget committees of both the Senate and House of Representatives.