Spotlight State Civil Service March 2026
#1 Issue
The Spotlight's Mission is to foster meaningful communication with all stakeholders of the State Civil Service System.
Every Day For Every Citizen
Byron P. Decoteau, Jr., Director
Director's Message
Welcome to the State Civil Service Spotlight . As we enter the spring season, several elections are taking place across Louisiana, and the Louisiana State Legislature convened its 2026 Regular Session on March 9, 2026. The session is scheduled to adjourn no later than June 1, 2026.
• Voices of Public Service Campaign • Excellent Compliance Audits • SHIFT Highlights • Recent YouTube Videos • Prohibited Political Activity In this Issue:
During this time of year, State Civil Service often receives questions regarding prohibited political activities applicable to classified state employees. These provisions, outlined in the
Louisiana Constitution and State Civil Service Rules, are intended to preserve the integrity and neutrality of the merit system. In general, prohibited political activity includes efforts to support or oppose a candidate for public office or a political party in an election. At the same time, classified employees are not restricted from expressing their views, either privately or publicly, on public policy issues or matters pending before the legislature or other governmental bodies. To provide additional guidance, State Civil Service has issued its annual General Circular on Prohibited Political Activity, which outlines key considerations and examples to assist employees in understanding these requirements. Employees with questions are encouraged to contact State Civil Service at (225) 342-8274 for assistance. For those interested in following the legislative process, information is available at legis.la.gov. Election-related information, including dates and details, can be found on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website at sos.la.gov. As a reminder, a proposed constitutional amendment will appear on the May 16, 2026, ballot. Amendment No. 1 relates to legislative authority to add officers, positions, and employees to the unclassified state civil service. Additional informationa is available for those who would like to learn more.
Byron P. Decoteau, Jr., State Civil Service Director
civilservice.louisiana.gov | jobs.la.gov | scsinfo@civilservice.la.gov
State Employee Recognition Week 2026 - Voices of Public Service Campaign In celebration of State Employee Recognition Week 2026 (May 3–9), we are excited to launch our Voices of Public Service campaign! As a state employee, you are making a difference in moving Louisiana forward. Far too often, your dedication and commitment are overshadowed by perceptions that portray government workers as inefficient. We know differently— we see firsthand the passion, purpose, and impact behind the important work you do every day. Your efforts play a critical role in supporting the health, safety, and welfare of our citizens, and we encourage you to take every opportunity to highlight the value you bring to our state.
We would love to hear from you, in 100 words or less: “Why is being a state employee meaningful to you?” This is a great opportunity to highlight the passion, purpose, and impact behind the important work you do every day. Selected submissions may be featured during recognition week on social media and/or our website. You are also welcome to include a headshot with your submission, though it is not required. Please send your response (and optional photo) to jenny.creighton@civilservice.la.gov. The deadline for submissions is April 27, 2026. Prior to submissions being featured on social media, State Civil Service will obtain approval from the Agency Appointing Authority. We look forward to hearing your stories and celebrating the incredible contributions of our state workforce! Thank you for all that you do, every day, for every citizen.
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State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2026
Excellent Compliance Audits
State Civil Service would like to commend Louisiana Tech University and Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana for achieving a perfect Compliance Audit. These agencies achieved 100% compliance in all categories audited.
Louisiana Tech University Human Resources staff: Alicia Foster, Winter Collier, and Sheila Trammel
State Civil Service would also like to commend the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs for an excellent Compliance Audit. This agency achieved 90% compliance or higher in all categories audited, had no areas of concern, and no major rule violations. The results received by these agencies show the value and importance of excellence they place on Civil Service rule compliance. They are to be commended for a job well done!
Stay Up To Date
Louisiana State Civil Service and the Recruiting & Outreach Center will be closed for the following upcoming holidays:
3 April
Good Friday Holiday
Subscriptions
General Circulars
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State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2026
SHIFT Highlights SHIFT Highlights SHIFT Highlights SHIFT Highlights SH
In December 2025, State Civil Service updated the SCS Hiring Framework as part of the statewide rollout of the Louisiana Competency Model. These corresponding updates help agencies apply competencies consistently throughout the hiring process, ensuring that selections are clearly linked to the skills and behaviors that drive success in state service. What’s New As of January 1, 2026, the updated SCS Hiring Framework will include: • Updated competency maps aligned to the Louisiana Competency Model • New supervisory titles added to the required SCS Hiring Framework list • Improved supplemental questions that strengthen candidate screening • Refreshed behavioral interview questions and interview activities that support consistent, competency-driven evaluation • Automated Structured Interview Tool (S.I.T.) Excel workbooks that streamline preparation, scoring, and panel collaboration Together, these updates give agencies clearer guidance and practical tools to support consistent, competency-based hiring decisions. Advancing SHIFT Through Collaboration and Practice The updates to the SCS Hiring Framework reflect how State Civil Service and agency partners continue to put SHIFT: Shaping How We Invest in Future Talent into practice. By strengthening the tools and resources that support the SCS Hiring Framework, we reinforce a shared, competencybased approach to hiring that promotes consistency, transparency, and stronger talent decisions across Louisiana state government.
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State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2026
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Louisiana Joins Expanded National Skills-First Accelerator as Governments Triple Efforts to Implement Skills-Based Hiring HIFT Highlights SHIFT Highlights SHIFT Highlights SHIFT Highlights SHIFT
Louisiana joins 14 other governments in the ongoing initiative to hire, advance, and retain workers based on skills rather than degrees
Louisiana State Civil Service, representing the State of Louisiana, today announced that it has joined an expanded coalition of state and city governments working to implement skills-first talent practices as part of the “Transformers in the Public Sector” initiative, a growing cohort led by the nonprofit social enterprise Opportunity@Work and supported by the Volcker Alliance. The accelerator has tripled from five to 15 participating governments as states and cities seek proven strategies to hire, advance, and retain workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs), such as community college, military service, or on-the-job training, rather than a bachelor's degree. “Louisiana has an incredible opportunity to lead by example in transforming how we recruit, hire, and promote talent across our state agencies,” said Byron P. Decoteau, Jr., Director of Louisiana State Civil Service. “Through this initiative, we can create new pathways for STARs to contribute to critical public-sector roles. By applying the insights and support from the cohort, we'll expand opportunities for STARs, strengthen our workforce, and enhance how we meet the needs of our state .” Among the 1.9 million people who make up the Louisiana workforce, 1 million are STARs, representing 59% of workers who are too often overlooked in hiring processes that rely on degrees and credentials rather than skills and capabilities. The expansion comes as participating states work to fill over 255,000 jobs they've opened through executive and legislative action, with 100% of inaugural participants renewing and 10 new governments joining – including the initiative's first city partner. Over the next 12 months, leaders from the Louisiana State Civil Service will collaborate with peers from Alaska, Arizona, California, CapMetro in Austin, Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, New Mexico, Ohio, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming, receiving targeted support focused on refining and implementing skillsfirst talent strategies. As part of Track 1, Louisiana will receive intensive hands-on technical assistance designed for teams actively driving implementation of skills-based practices in priority roles, including budget/finance, HR/data analysis, and IT/ cybersecurity. The state will benefit from tailored coaching sessions, customized guidance from dedicated experts, and hands-on support, such as reviewing job descriptions, stakeholder surveys, and workforce data to ensure the successful implementation of skills-first practices.
Read the full Media Release
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State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2026
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Check out our Recent YouTube Videos
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Success Series Webinars: Uniting Generations in the Workplace, March 10, 2026 Success Series Webinars facilitates personal and professional development through offering engaging and relevant topics quarterly. Learn more about Success Series Webinars
SCS CPTP Leadership Academy Virtual Event: Lead with Story: How Leaders Inspire Through Narrative The SCS CPTP Leadership Academy is designed to help participants prepare for leadership opportunities by developing essential leadership skills. Through a mix of web- based courses and a variety of virtual events, participants will learn valuable skills that will serve them well as they continue their employment journey. Learn more about Leadership Academy
General Circular 2026-015 was recently issued to remind classified state employees of the “do’s and don’ts” of political activity. It is important to remember that the following restrictions apply to ALL elections – local, state, and federal. Article 10, Section 9 of the State Constitution and Civil Service Rules 14.1(e), (f), and (g) govern the political activities of classified state employees. The United States Supreme Court has recognized that a state has the right to limit the political activity of its workers to ensure the enforcement and application of laws for the common good and not for the good of one candidate or political party. The Supreme Court has also recognized the right of a state to restrict such activity in order to avoid the appearance of such support. This means that classified state employees must avoid the ACTUAL support or opposition of a candidate, party, or faction. Furthermore, classified state employees also must avoid the APPEARANCE of giving such support or opposition. Prohibited Political Activity Reminder
View Resources on Prohitibed Political Activity and Speaking Publicly on Issues
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Louisiana State Civil Service | P.O. Box 94111 | Baton Rouge, LA 70804 US
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