AL HB445

Applies only to Class 1 and Class 2 municipalities operating under a countywide civil service system.

Allows municipalities to establish optional programs for recruitment, testing, interviewing, and hiring of all public safety employees separate from the county civil service system.

Requires municipalities electing this option to notify the county civil service director and provide a human resources policies manual covering hiring policies, operational standards, equal employment opportunities, and harassment complaint procedures.

Permits municipalities to pay public safety employees exceeding performance standards up to the mid-range of the position's pay plan during the working test period, with special pay step adjustments available upon municipality recommendation and civil service director approval.

Subjects hired public safety employees to all rights and protections under countywide civil service system laws and rules, including the right to file complaints and grievances, and subjects municipalities to annual audits by a certified professional to ensure compliance.