Relating to civil service hiring processes

This bill relates to civil service hiring practices and examinations. Current law provides procedures for examinations and hiring practices for open or newly created civil service positions. The bill provides that only an open or new police officer or fire fighter position may be subject to an examination. Current law allows a civil service position to utilize an examination examining mental and physical ability in the hiring process. An initial or promotional examination may only be utilized for the appointment or promotion of a police officer or fire fighter. The bill provides that a certified list of each examination’s highest standing applicants for police officer and fire fighter positions shall be given to the city council. The civil service commission may hold more applicants in reserve in the case there are no remaining eligible applicants to fill open police officer and fire fighter positions. Only a police officer or a fire fighter may be hired temporarily until an examination can be held and the position can be filled by a qualified applicant. The bill requires all applicants for police and fire department appointments, promotions, and employment to be certified as eligible to the city council. A person shall not be appointed as a police officer or fire fighter if the person does not meet physical training, experience, substance use, and character requirements.