No. HB 165
Filed under Criminal Justice.
Law Enforcement, Correctional, and Institutional Security Specialist Officers; Requires average salary of correctional officer, correctional probation officer, or institutional security specialist to be no less than certain percentage of average salaries of sworn law enforcement officers; requires DMS to submit annual compensation analysis report to Governor, President of Senate, & Speaker of House of Representatives; requires annual salary increase for sworn law enforcement officers, correctional officers, correctional probation officers, & institutional security specialists; provides that Governor may authorize certain correctional officers, correctional probation officers, & institutional security specialists to assist with law enforcement operations during declared state or federal emergency.
Plain English Summary
AI-GENERATEDThe bill requires correctional officers, probation officers, and security specialists to receive a 3% annual salary increase starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This increase is mandatory and applies in addition to any other bonuses or merit raises.
By 2030, the average salary for these correctional staff must reach at least 97% of the average salary of sworn state law enforcement officers. This creates a permanent pay equity floor that the state must meet.
The Department of Management Services must submit an annual compensation analysis report to the Governor and legislative leaders. This report measures progress toward the 2030 pay parity goal and ensures ongoing compliance with the new salary requirements.
During declared state or federal emergencies, the Governor may authorize qualified correctional staff to assist federal agencies in enforcement operations. This new authority allows correctional officers to support federal law enforcement for up to 60 days.
AICreates a permanent, recurring financial obligation for the state to fund salary increases for four distinct groups of public safety employees every year.
AIEstablishes a statutory minimum compensation threshold that prevents the state from setting correctional officer salaries below a specific percentage of law enforcement salaries.
AIGrants the Governor the power to direct correctional and probation officers to perform law enforcement duties, including for federal agencies, during declared emergencies.
AIRequires the Department of Management Services to conduct and submit a formal compensation analysis to the Governor and legislative leadership every year.