Bruce v. Kelly

Summary

The court answered two certified questions concerning the classification and employment protections of Kansas Highway Patrol majors. It held that the governing statute places majors in the classified service and requires an eligible employee returning from an unclassified position to regain the former rank and permanent status without serving a second probationary period. The court relied on the statute's plain language, its harmonious reading with related civil-service provisions, and the distinction between a statutory return and a promotion, transfer, or demotion.