AZ SB1659

Amends Arizona law governing merit system councils for law enforcement officers in counties, cities, and towns.

Modifies the composition and governance of merit system councils while maintaining the five-member structure with political party balance requirements.

Removes provisions allowing cities and towns to opt out of using county merit system councils and instead directs them to use the county employee merit system commission if the county has adopted a merit system for all employees.

Repeals Section 38-1007 of Arizona Revised Statutes, which previously provided alternative procedures for law enforcement officers in certain counties, cities, and towns.

Clarifies appeal procedures and attorney fee awards in disciplinary cases involving law enforcement officer suspensions, demotions, or dismissals, capping attorney fee awards at $15,000.