8500     GENERAL
(Revised 9/00)

The responsibility for administering the State's personnel system is divided between the State Personnel Board (SPB) and the Department of Personnel Administration (DPA).  The SPB is responsible for merit-related personnel matters including examinations, review of disciplinary actions, and civil service appointments and status.  The SPB also reviews and approves changes to the Personnel Classification Plan.  DPA is responsible for salary and benefit administration, performance appraisal, training, and administration of the Personnel Classification Plan.

The SPB administrative actions are basically governed by Article VII of the California Constitution and the State Civil Service Act (Government Code of Regulations Sections 18500-19798).  These provisions are made more specific by the SPB rules (California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Division 1, Chapter 1).  More detailed guidance and instructions for applying these provisions can be found in the Selection, Personnel Management Policy and Procedures, Delegated Testing, and Personnel Transactions manuals.

The DPA administers its programs under Government Code Sections 19815-19999.  These provisions are made more specific by the DPA rules (California Administrative Code, Title 2, Division 1, Chapter 3).  For rank and file employees, these laws and rules may be superseded by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) negotiated under the State Employer–Employee Relations Act.  In certain areas, the Personnel Transactions Manual provides detailed guidelines and procedures.

The State Controller's Office (SCO) is responsible for operating the State's payroll system and processing personnel transaction documents.  Procedural information is available in the SCO's Payroll Procedures Manual and the Personnel Action Manual.

Departmental human resources office can provide additional guidance in these areas.