S.F. 2651 makes technical and substantive changes to the St. Louis County Civil Service Commission. The law governing the St. Louis County Civil Service Commission has remained largely unchanged since 1941. S.F. 2651 deletes obsolete language and modernizes statutes to bring it in conformity with current law and practices.

Sections 1 and 2 reflect a change in name for the director of the civil service commission, from “civil service director” to “human resources director.” This change is reflected throughout the bill.

Section 3 replaces outdated language with modern terms and deletes unnecessary phrases.

Section 4 makes changes to the probationary period, which may not be less than the full time equivalent of six months and not more than the full time equivalent of 12 months, not to exceed 24 calendar months. Authorizes probationary periods for transfers, voluntary demotions, and appointments from the reemployment list. Probationary periods may be extended beyond 24 calendar months in limited circumstances. Removes reporting requirements.

Section 5 removes judicial employees (governed by Minn. Stat. 43A.08), home demonstration agents, “inmate and patient help” at county institutions, publicly employed medical staff (governed by county human services board), and the county recorder from a list of unclassified service employees and adds the deputy directors, county administrators, and deputy administrators to the unclassified service. By default, any position not listed in the unclassified service and not governed by other statutes, are part of the classified service. Sec. 5 also specifies that a total of nine full-time equivalent clerical employees are included in the unclassified service.

Section 6 deletes outdated language (which was previously necessary for the establishment of the civil service commission). Requires the classification plan to identify unclassified services.

Section 7 deletes outdated language and authorizes the director to reallocate positions between classes.

Section 8 deletes outdated language and simplifies language.

Section 9 authorizes former employees who request re-employment to be placed on a re-employment list for up to two years following resignation in good standing (previously limited to one year).

Section 10 simplifies and modernizes language. Removes prohibition on credit accrual during the provisional period.

Section 11 removes outdated language and modernizes language.

Section 12 prohibits certain conduct, including obstruction, coercion, and falsification of records. This section is nearly identical to current law.

Section 13 authorizes former employees seeking reemployment and new applicants to be referred together and considered simultaneously. Specifics procedures for vacancies to be filled promotionally and vacancies to be filled from an open list. Provides for emergency appointments but prohibits successive emergency appointments.

Section 14 authorizes the director to transfer a qualified probationary employee from one position to another position within the same job class and department and authorizes the voluntary demotion of a permanent qualified employee.

Section 15 modernizes language.

Section 16 modernizes language and specifies documents required before approval of payments.

Sections 17 to 19 modernize and simplify language. Sec. 19 also clarifies the appeals process and the commission’s role.

Section 20 changes the penalty for willfully or negligently violating the statutes or rules governing the St. Louis County Civil Service Commission from a gross misdemeanor to a misdemeanor.

Section 21 deletes an outdated cross-reference to a 1931 law related to veteran’s preference in hiring. State law now provides for veteran’s preference in hiring in Minn. Stat. 197.455.

Section 22 repeals the following statutory provisions:

• Minn. Stat. 383C.036. Outdated language determining who was included in the classified service during the transition period.
• Minn. Stat. 383C.047. Authorizes civil lawsuits for violations of the statutes governing the St. Louis County Civil Service Commission.
• Minn. Stat. 383C.049. Prohibits certain conduct, including obstruction, coercion, and falsification of records (this provision is nearly identical to section 12 of the bill).
• Minn. Stat. 383C.052. Reporting requirement related to the administrative needs of the service, personnel, compensation, examinations, appointments, etc.
• Minn. Stat. 383C.053. Limits office accommodation to the county seat. Sets limitations on expenses related to the commission.
• Minn. Stat. 383C.059. Authorization to enter into “arrangements” with other agencies.