SB76 Summary

• Amends Section 36-26-28 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to revise suspension procedures for classified state employees, eliminating post-suspension review processes.

• Requires appointing authorities to provide written charges to suspended employees within 10 days, allowing employees to accept the suspension or request a hearing before an independent hearing officer.

• Establishes that the State Personnel Department maintains a list of eligible hearing officers, and employees may challenge a hearing officer's appointment to the State Personnel Director within 5 days of notification.

• Specifies that appointing authorities bear the burden of proof to establish charges forming the basis for suspension, which cannot exceed 30 days in any year of service.

• Allows departments with existing suspension hearing processes to continue using them if they observe due process requirements, and exempts departments already using pre-disciplinary hearings with independent officers from the new procedures.