Governor adds staff to DOS for licensing enforcement.

The Department of State (DOS) is the State's oldest agency, serving as the State's general recording officer and custodian of the State's "Great Seal", the Department's mission has grown to include a broad range of activities that coordinate programs with, and provide services to, local governments and businesses.

The Department protects public safety by managing arson investigation, fire prevention, building and energy code programs; administers programs for community development and local government service activities; and supports businesses through various licensing and registration activities.

The 2008/2009 Executive Budget recommends a staffing level of 927 for the Department of State, an increase of 15 from the 2007/08 budget. This net change primarily reflects a decrease in staff resulting from the merger of the State Ethics Commission into the Commission on Public Integrity offset by new hires for Indigent Defense, the Law Revision Commission and licensing enforcement.

Major budget actions include:

Licensing Enforcement: The addition of 19 new FTEs, at a cost of $1.4 million, to increase compliance with new and existing business licensing requirements on a statewide basis.

While requiring legislative approval, it is likely that staffing recommendations will be accepted by the Legislature. We will continue to monitor this proposal as the budget negotiations begin between the Governor and the Legislature.