Public Accountability Report

History of Agency

The Commission is comprised of five members who have been appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. One of the members is appointed by the Governor to act as chairperson. No more than three members of the Commission can belong to the same political party. Terms of the members are staggered with six-year appointments.

The Illinois Personnel Code was established on July 18, 1955 under provisions of an act to revise the law in relation to personnel administration. The main area of responsibility is the hearing of appeals from certified state employees under the jurisdiction of the Personnel Code who are discharged from their positions. Other types of appeals are from employees who have been suspended for more than 30 days in a 12-month period or demoted. The Commission also hears appeals from certified employees who are involuntarily transferred from one geographical area to another or who question the allocation of their positions under the classification plan within 15 days of the Director of Central Management Services' decision on reconsideration.

Appeals Process

When appeals are filed with the Commission, the employment records for the appellant are examined to assure the individual holds a certified appointment and thus has a right to an appeal. In discipline and demotion appeals, the Commission is required by statute to convene a hearing within 30 days. Employees can represent themselves or be represented by counsel. The agency is usually represented by the Office of the Attorney General. At the close of the hearing and upon receipt of the final transcript of the proceedings, the Commission has 60 days to render a final decision. Other appeals may be determined by investigation without the need for a hearing. All decisions of the Commission are subject to appeal to the Circuit Court under the terms of the Administrative Review Law.

Technical Actions

The Commission has the authority to disapprove proposed additions or amendments to the Personnel Rules and must approve amendments to the Classification Plan. The Commission also directs compliance with the requirements of the Personnel Code or Rules when violations are found. The Commission approves requests for exemption from Jurisdiction B of the Personnel Code for those positions that, in its judgment, involve either principal administrative responsibility for the determination of policy or the way in which policies are carried out. This occurs only upon agency request and after recommendation by the Director of Central Management Services.