AZ HB2388

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 41-745 to reclassify certain Department of Child Safety (DCS) employees as "covered service" employees entitled to appeal rights and job protections.

DCS employees at pay grade 19 or above (or equivalent pay range under a successor compensation system) shall be converted to covered service status for all future appointments to those positions.

Current DCS employees at pay grade 19+ in uncovered status will have their positions changed to covered service; current covered employees may elect to remain covered or voluntarily become at-will uncovered employees.

Covered service employees retain the right to appeal disciplinary actions and maintain job protections, whereas uncovered service employees are at-will and have no appeal rights.

Makes DCS higher-level positions subject to the same covered/uncovered service rules previously established for peace officers and correctional officers.