TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A Kansas House committee has endorsed a bill making it easier for state agencies to move jobs out of the civil service.
The 9-7 vote Wednesday by the Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee sends the bill to the House for debate.
The measure incorporates a proposal from Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration.
Civil service workers have more job security than non-civil service workers. The state has about 13,000 civil service employees.
Department of Administration spokesman John Milburn said in an email that the bill gives agencies more flexibility in hiring. He said even if the measure is enacted, many jobs will stay in the civil service.
Critics are skeptical that the civil service system will remain intact and say favoritism will play a bigger role in employment decisions.
