Civil Service Commission Records, 1913-1934

Printable guide [HTML]

Summary

Title:
State Civil Service Commission Records
Dates:
1913-1934
Creators:
State Civil Service Commission
Abstract:
The records of the Civil Service Commission consist of 2.5 cubic feet of payroll sheets and meeting minutes from 1913 through 1934. The majority of files represented are payroll records for the period between 1913 and 1922.
Extent:
2.5 cubic feet of textual records and 2 reels of microfilm
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], State Civil Service Commission Records, R252.[Series Number], [box and folder number or microfilm number], California State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Sacramento, California.

Background

Scope and content:

The records of the Civil Service Commission consist of 2.5 cubic feet of payroll sheets and meeting minutes from 1913 through 1934. The majority of files represented are payroll records for the period between 1913 and 1922. In addition, this collection may be of particular relevance for research of State civil service employees between 1913 and 1934. For related documents after 1934, researchers should refer to the records of the State Personnel Board. The meeting minutes of the Civil Service Commission have been preserved on microfilm. The meeting minutes may be especially useful for research into the daily operations of the Civil Service Commission.

Biographical / historical:

On June 16, 1913 the California State Legislature approved the State Civil Service Bill (Chapter 590 of Statutes 1913). This bill established the California State Civil Service Commission for the purpose of overseeing the administration of California's newly established civil service system. This State Commission was structured to consist of three members, appointed by the Governor to serve four-year terms. Any commissioner could be removed however by concurrent resolution of the State Senate and Assembly, adopted by a two-thirds majority in each house. In 1921 the Civil Service Commission was restructured, with one member being selected as executive member and existing president. Between 1921 and 1934, other amendments were made to the law relating to this commission. However, after 1921 provisions relating to appointment, removal, and duration of commission membership remained unchanged until 1934. In 1925, the two associate commission member's positions were eliminated allowing for only one commissioner. In 1927, all portions of the 1921 law relating to the Civil Service Commission were reenacted. Furthermore, the commission reestablished its three-member structure, with one executive member and two associate members. By 1929, the Civil Service Commission's authority and responsibilities were assigned to the Department of Finance. At the same time, a Division of Personnel and Organization was created and acquired the clerical and organization survey work previously done by the Civil Service Commission. On November 6, 1934, California voters approved an initiative measure that called for the establishment of a State Personnel Board to direct the State civil service system. Taking effect on December 20, 1934, this measure abolished the Division of Personnel and Organization and transferred all legal powers and duties of State officers and agencies relating to the civil service system to the newly formed State Personnel Board.

Acquisition information:
The California State Archives acquired the State Civil Service Commission Records according to state law.
Physical location:
California State Archives
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Processed by Sven Kennedy
Date Prepared:
© 2007
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid created by Sven Kennedy. Machine-readable finding aid derived from MS Word. Date of source: 08 April 2007.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives collections.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], State Civil Service Commission Records, R252.[Series Number], [box and folder number or microfilm number], California State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Sacramento, California.

Location of this collection:
1020 "O" Street
Sacramento, CA 95814, US
Contact:
(916) 653-2246
reference@sos.ca.gov
Website