SB 504 Summary

• Establishes a merit system and disciplinary procedures for full-time, fully paid sheriff's deputies in counties with consolidated cities who exercise law enforcement powers.

• Creates a sheriff's deputy merit board consisting of five members: three appointed by the sheriff and two elected by deputies, with four-year terms and county residency requirements.

• Requires sheriff approval from the board to establish deputy classifications, ranks, and positions, with examinations designed to test applicant qualifications before hiring.

• Provides deputies with protections including one-year probationary period, written charges and fourteen-day notice before disciplinary hearings, right to counsel, and circuit court review of board decisions.

• Removes the restriction limiting sheriffs in consolidated city counties to appointing only special deputies as county jail guards, allowing appointment of regular deputies to jail guard positions.