TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration is working to overhaul Kansas employee layoff and rehiring protocol.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the administration is working on adjustments that would restrict worker options for appealing regular job performance ratings and impose a cap on how much sick leave new retirees may donate to colleagues who are ill.

Kansas Department of Administration officials say the proposed adjustments are necessary for the maintenance of a modern and efficient workforce in state government.

A department spokesman says the changes have been in development since 2014.

Rebecca Proctor, executive director of the Kansas Organization of State Employees, says the timing of the proposed adjustments appears to indicate the government is preparing for layoffs.

The proposed changes will be open to public comment on Sept. 27.