AL HB493

Establishes a new civil service system for the City of Helena, Alabama, replacing the previous system created under Act 92-201 from 1992

Creates a three-member personnel board with staggered terms (2-4 years initially, then 4-year terms): one elected by regular service employees, one appointed by mayor and council, and one selected by the other two members

Divides city employment into "regular service" (full-time classified positions with job protections) and "exempt service" (part-time workers, elected officials, department heads, city attorney, temporary employees, and others without civil service protections)

Grants regular employees the right to appeal dismissals, demotions, or suspensions exceeding 40 hours for a single offense through hearings before a licensed attorney hearing officer, with final appeals to Shelby County Circuit Court

Effective date of June 1, 2026, at which time all current full-time employees automatically continue in their regular status with accrued sick leave, vacation time, and overtime protections preserved