Specific Federal or State law may provide a specific definition of “full-time” which will govern for those purposes.

The Attorney General in AG Op. No. 01-0261 noted that, while State and Federal laws defines “full-time” differently for certain purposes, the term “Full-Time” for public employees is generally established by the agency administration. Therefore, it appears that the municipality may, to the degree it does not contradict with Federal or State law, define “full-time” in a manner of its choosing for the purpose of its internal policies. Again such changes may have significant legal consequences and should only be undertaken following discussion with legal counsel.

For example, the Attorney General in AG Op. No. 07-0164 noted that while it may not be good fiscal planning or management, there is no legal impediment or barrier for a municipality establishing a work week as less than 40 hours.