An Act to Make Changes to the Laws Regarding the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Human Resources and the State Civil Service Appeals Board
Sponsored By: Suzanne Salisbury (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
More representation options in state proceedings
The State can use nonlawyers in job reclassification, reallocation, or reorganization appeals before the State Civil Service Appeals Board. It can also use nonlawyers in grievance arbitration under collective bargaining agreements. Students at American Bar Association-accredited law schools can practice in proceedings as allowed by a Supreme Judicial Court rule. Attorneys certified by their military branch's judge advocate general remain authorized to represent Maine National Guard members in specified military proceedings.
State workers get new grievance rules
The law removes the earlier supervisor-level grievance steps for state employees. Employees or their representatives must file a written grievance with the agency head within 21 days after learning of the incident. The agency head must meet with the employee or representative within 21 days of receiving it. A final written decision is due within 5 days after that meeting. The head can assign a deputy, assistant head, or labor specialist to handle these duties. An employee's representative can investigate at the work site during working hours, at least one day before filing. Classified employees have 21 days after receiving the decision to appeal in writing to the State Human Resources Officer. The officer must reply within 21 days. Unclassified employees can appeal qualifying due-process decisions directly to the State Civil Service Appeals Board within 21 days of the decision. Unresolved grievances can reach the Board within 21 days after receipt of the last written officer or employer decision. The Board investigates, hears interested people, and issues a binding written decision within 30 working days after the hearing ends. The parties can agree to extend that decision deadline. The Board chair can extend grievance and appeal deadlines when either party applies in writing before the applicable deadline expires. Employees who miss deadlines accept the agency's last response. An agency head who misses a response deadline waives that step, allowing the employee to proceed. The Board can administer oaths and subpoena relevant evidence. Parties requesting witness subpoenas must pay witness fees and travel allowances in advance. Subpoenaed state employees do not lose pay for appearing.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Suzanne Salisbury
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 663
4/13/2026PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
4/6/2026SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/6/2026HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-964) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-964), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
4/6/2026SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-964).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/2/2026HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT in concurrence
2/3/2026SenateCommittee on State and Local Government suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
2/3/2026House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-964), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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