HB2177 Summary

• Amends Arizona Revised Statutes sections 38-532 and 41-783 regarding state personnel board procedures and whistleblower protections

• Increases civil penalties for prohibited personnel practices: up to $5,000 for general violations, up to $10,000 for retaliation against employees reporting law violations, and up to $25,000 for knowingly making false accusations

• Extends the timeframe for state personnel board to hear disciplinary appeals from 30 days to 60 days after receipt of the appeal

• Modifies hearing notification requirements to specify "initial hearing" notice and adds clarity that covered employees and employing agencies may select representatives and present evidence at hearings

• Clarifies that if a party requests transcription of the hearing record, an entity other than the state personnel board selected by the requesting party shall perform the transcription at that party's cost