SB1167 Summary

• Merit system council shall classify law enforcement officer positions upon recommendation from the department head and recommend salary schedules based on officer classification.

• Council shall review standards and qualifications for classified positions and recommend any changes to the human resources director.

• Council shall provide promotion plans for law enforcement officers considering qualifications, performance record, seniority, and conduct, with vacancies filled by competitive examination and internal promotion when possible.

• Council may award reasonable costs and attorney fees (not to exceed $10,000) to exonerated officers when suspensions exceed 16 hours, demotions, or dismissals are overturned, except for administrative actions or off-duty conduct unrelated to officer duties.

• Award of attorney fees is stayed if the department head appeals the council's decision and is reversed if the department head's decision is upheld on appeal.