Chapter 3 – Personnel, Training, and Employee Relations

31030.3.1.10 Right to Appeal a Rejected Suggestion

• Suggesters have the right to appeal rejected suggestions within one year from the date on the rejection letter. The reasons for an appeal and the action the suggester must take are the following:

  • The suggester disagrees with the evaluation report because pertinent information was not considered. In this case, the suggester shall submit a written request for reconsideration to the MAA that includes additional or supplemental information not covered in the original suggestion, or shall point out an error in the evaluation report. The MAA shall return the suggestion with the additional or supplemental information to the division evaluator for a decision.

  • The suggester disagrees with the evaluation report that states the suggester is not eligible to receive an award. The reason may be that the idea was within the scope of his/her duties, or was an assignment given to the suggester. In this case, the suggester shall submit to the MAA a written request for reconsideration. If the MAA determines the appeal is unresolvable at the Department level, the MAA shall submit the appeal to the State Merit Award Program for review and a binding decision.

• Suggesters have the right to appeal rejected suggestions within three years from the date on the rejection letter if the suggester believes the Department implemented the suggestion within three years after rejecting the suggestion. In this case, the suggester shall submit to the MAA a written request to reopen the suggestion, with an explanation of when and how the Department adopted the idea. In addition, the suggester shall provide documentation or proof of implementation. If the MAA determines the appeal is unresolvable at the Department level, the MAA shall submit the appeal to the State Merit Award Program for review and a binding decision.