HB371 Summary

• Amends Act No. 470 of 1939 to modify the Mobile County countywide civil service system by revising the unclassified service definitions and lay-off procedures.

• Allows appointing authorities to establish their own recruitment, testing, interviewing, and hiring programs for employees by notifying the Personnel Director and submitting their human resources policies manual.

• Modifies lay-off procedures to prioritize critical need for positions and service ratings of employees, replacing the previous controlling standard of seniority and service ratings alone.

• Authorizes appointing authorities to compensate employees yearly for excess annual leave accumulated beyond the maximum allowed balance, with employees having the option to accept or reject participation each year.

• Employees hired under the new appointing authority hiring option retain all rights and protections under Mobile County Personnel Board laws and rules, including the right to file complaints and grievances.