Government innovation fellows program.

Existing law establishes within the Governor's office the Government Operations Agency, which consists of several state agencies, including the Department of General Services and the Department of Technology, and is governed by the Secretary of Government Operations. This bill would require the Government Operations Agency to establish and administer the government innovation fellows program to identify opportunities to apply advanced skillsets and innovative practices in effective ways to improve the delivery of state governmental services through the selection and assignment of fellows within state agencies. The bill would require, prior to the selection and assignment of a fellow, and with existing resources, the Government Operations Agency to consult with state agencies, private entities, or other nongovernmental sources to obtain resources and administrative support for the program, including necessary equipment, and other related costs necessary for a fellow to complete an assigned project. The bill would make, among other things, selection and assignment of fellows contingent upon the receipt of sufficient funds, as determined by the agency, from private or other nongovernmental sources. The bill would require fellows to serve for a term not to exceed 2 years and would prohibit fellows selected for the program from obtaining civil service status and supplanting the work of civil service employees of the state. The bill would authorize the Government Operations Agency to enter into a personal services contract to provide compensation to the fellow if specified conditions are met.