HB 399 Summary

• Defines "chief" as any non-elected chief law enforcement officer of any political subdivision and establishes "just cause" removal standards including inability to perform duties, reckless disregard for safety, misrepresentation of material facts, self-interested actions, and felony convictions.

• Requires governing bodies to provide written notice at least ten business days before removal proceedings and give chiefs a hearing opportunity with witnesses, evidence, and counsel of their choice.

• Mandates a two-thirds majority vote by the governing body to remove a chief for just cause, after which the chief is immediately removed and entitled to no further compensation or benefits not already earned.

• Adds restrictions prohibiting removal of chiefs under existing statutes (sections 77.046, 78.340, 79.240, 80.420, 84.120, 84.430, 84.830, 85.551, 106.010, 106.270, and 590.080), creating a uniform protection against arbitrary removal.

• Requires written notice of removal grounds within fourteen calendar days of removal.