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Bill proposes new state hiring, firing practices

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Senate Government Oversight Committee is proposing a bill that would make sweeping changes in some state government practices.

The bill would make all personnel settlement agreements subject to review by the attorney general, prohibits confidentiality provisions, and posts all agreements on a state website.

It requires the state auditor to conduct an examination of all settlement agreements issued since Gov. Terry Branstad began his current term.

It also requires the state to disclose any bonuses over $200 paid to executive branch employees and offers new whistleblower protections for state workers reporting abuse of authority or other issues.

It also would revise state hiring and firing practices requiring job openings to be posted publicly. Fired workers would have new appeal options if they're placed on a do-not-hire list.

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