Senate committee substitute makes the following changes to the 1st edition:

Changes the long title.

Amends GS 126-1.1(a), the definition of career State employee, specifying that the employee is a state employee or employee of a local entity that is in a permanent position with a permanent appointment and reduces the amount of time required in that position to qualify as permanent to 12 months (was, 24).

Amends GS 126-4, the powers and duties of the State Human Resources Commission (OSHR), deleting language which provided that subdivision (10) cannot be construed to authorize the establishment of an incentive pay program. Adds subdivision (19) providing that the OSHR must administer the state government temporary employment service.

Enacts GS 126-5.1 establishing the temporary employment service in the OSHR and requiring state divisions, departments, and agencies to employ temporary employees through this service. Directs OSHR to create policies for the administration of this service. Sets out provisions concerning compliance with these provisions, providing that temporary assignments in the same agency and same job function cannot exceed 12 months without an extension being granted from the State Human Resources Director.

Amends GS 126-7.1 directing the State Human Resources Commission to adopt policies and rules to govern the priority and salary rights of state employees that have been separated from employment due to reductions in force. Also amends the requirements for employees to be given priority over non-state employees in specified situations, changing the requirement that the qualifications be greater than a non-state employee applicant to receive priority (was, substantially equal). Provides that if employees that have lost employment due to reduction in force decline an interview as specified, then the 12-month priority period will terminate. Adds language providing for the reorganization and restructuring of positions through a voluntary separation process of certain departments and offices as specified.

Amends GS 126-14.2 concerning political hirings, deleting a requirement that the most qualified person should be hired and only requires that a qualified person be hired for state employment.

Amends GS 126-23(a), deleting a requirement that age of state employees be kept in personnel records.

Amends GS 126-24 to allow employee personnel records to be examined or inspected by potential state or local government supervisors during the interview process only in regards to performance management documents and disciplinary actions. 

Amends the effective date clause, providing that Part V of the act becomes effective October 1, 2015, applying to employees separated on or after that date.