§49-10-102. Bureau for Social Service employees exempt from Division of Personnel.

(a) The Commissioner of the Bureau for Social Services shall develop a merit-based system policy for the bureau. The procedure shall include classification specifications, and may include compensation adjustments, retention incentives, and hiring approval by the commissioner. The commissioner shall have the full authority to evaluate applicants for employment or promotion or make classification determinations for positions within the merit-based system. The pay rates and employment requirements shall be put into effect on or before January 1, 2024. This merit-based system shall apply to new employees in the above referenced job classifications and for existing employees who elect, in writing to enter the merit-based system. The merit-based system is exempt from the Division of Personnel and all requirements of §29-6-1 et seq. of this code and any related rules. There is no requirement for uniformity regarding the pay scale for the same classification between regions of the state to account for market rates and demand for specific positions. The provisions of §6C-2-1 et seq. of this code are not applicable.

(b) Funding for the pay rates and employment requirements shall be provided from the appropriation to the bureau.

(c) The commissioner may conduct periodic wage and compensation analysis of identified market rates for the above positions as determined by the commissioner.

(d) The commissioner shall report to Legislative Oversight Commission of Health and Human Resources accountability by January 1, 2024.