NC H1161

Establishes a five-member Fire Department Civil Service Board for the City of Durham to hear appeals from firefighters regarding disciplinary actions including suspension, layoff, transfer, removal, promotion, forfeiture of pay, or loss of time.

Board members serve two-year terms, are chosen by City Council, must be Durham qualified voters not employed by the City or serving on City Council, and cannot have financial relationships with the City for two years after their term ends.

Requires employees to file appeals within 10 days of disciplinary action and exhaust administrative remedies first, except for involuntary transfers where the City bears the burden of proving justification.

Board must render written decisions within 10 days of hearing conclusion with findings of fact and conclusions based on competent evidence, and may affirm, modify, or reverse the City's decision.

Prohibits advance resignations, political contributions as conditions of employment, and any intimidation of employees exercising rights under this section, with violations subject to disciplinary action up to dismissal.