MO HB1566

Establishes a three-member civil service commission in each political subdivision with a full-time paid fire department, fire protection district, or ambulance district with full-time paid paramedics or emergency medical technicians.

Requires all appointments and promotions within covered fire departments and districts to be made solely on merit, efficiency, and fitness, determined by open competitive examination and impartial investigation.

Provides that existing employees who have served at least six continuous months in their position upon the bill's effective date are automatically appointed to civil service without examination.

Grants the civil service commission authority to conduct examinations, establish eligible lists, investigate complaints, hold hearings on employee removals or discipline, and enforce civil service provisions.

Permits removal or discharge of civil service employees only for cause including incompetence, dishonesty, insubordination, criminal conviction, or other specified grounds, with the right to appeal commission decisions to circuit court.