Utah § 17-76-311 - Vacancies -- Positions requiring special qualifications -- Competition suspended -- Promotion -- Promotion register.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 17-76-311 — Vacancies -- Positions requiring special qualifications -- Competition suspended -- Promotion -- Promotion register., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 17-76-311. Vacancies -- Positions requiring special qualifications -- Competition suspended -- Promotion -- Promotion register.

Effective 11/6/2025
17-76-311. Vacancies -- Positions requiring special qualifications -- Competition suspended -- Promotion -- Promotion register.

(1)

When there is a vacancy in a position requiring peculiar and exceptional qualifications of a scientific, professional, or expert character, the commission may, after a public hearing and unanimous vote by the commission, suspend competition regarding the position upon satisfactory evidence that:

(a)	competitive hiring is impracticable; and

(b)	the position can best be filled by the selection of an individual of recognized attainments.

(2)	The commission shall report a suspension under Subsection (1) in the commission minutes, together with the reason for suspension.

(3)	With the exception of an appointment made in accordance with a commission rule adopted under Subsection 17-76-305(1)(b)(i)(H), a department shall fill a supervisor vacancy in the merit system classification by promotion insofar as possible.

(4)

(a)	A department shall make a promotion only after an open competitive examination, admission to which shall be limited to merit system officers.

(b)	A promotion examination process described in Subsection (4)(a) shall include consideration of the seniority and competence of the merit system officer to perform the duties required in the position for which application is made.

(c)	The seniority element of the promotion examination may not exceed 40% of the entire examination score.

(5)

(a)	After a promotional examination, the commission shall prepare a promotional eligible appointment register that shall take precedence over any previously existing eligible appointment register.

(b)	The certified promotional eligible appointment register shall consist of three names for the initial vacancy and one more name for each additional vacancy, ranked in the order of the examination score, beginning with the highest scoring applicant.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 14, 2025 Special Session 1

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 17-76-311

What does Utah Code § 17-76-311 cover?

Section 17-76-311 ("Vacancies -- Positions requiring special qualifications -- Competition suspended -- Promotion -- Promotion register.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 17-76-311?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 17-76-311" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 17-76-311 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 17-76-311 at the Utah source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.