HCS/SB 169 - This act would change the salaries of Labor Commissioners, Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) and legal advisors within the Department of Labor so that they are based on percentages of Circuit and Associate Circuit Judges' salaries. This act removes the requirement that the Workers' Compensation Division Director's salary be $2,000 less than the ALJs in charge. This act also establishes a salary range for associate legal advisors.

This act increases the maximum number of ALJs which may be appointed from 20 to 30. Beginning August 28, 1997, ALJs shall serve 6-year terms. The Department shall conduct evaluations of ALJS in terms of conduct, performance and productivity, with an appeals process for ALJs with an unsatisfactory evaluation.

This act is similar to SB 931 (1996).

MARGARET J. TOALSON