Relating to civil service requirements for the hiring of certain city public safety positions

This bill relates to civil service requirements for the hiring of certain city public safety positions. Under current law, Code chapter 400 (civil service) sets forth a variety of provisions relating to hiring civil service employees, including examinations, probationary periods, veteran preferences, and other qualifications. The bill allows a city council to suspend civil service hiring practices specified in the bill for the hiring of fire fighters, fire chiefs, assistant fire chiefs, police officers, police chiefs, or assistant police chiefs. These include (1) submission to the city council of a certified list of persons who qualify with the highest standing as a result of each examination for an original appointment, (2) submission to the city council of a certified list of persons who qualify with the highest standing as a result of each examination for a promotion, and (3) the prerequisite that a person be certified as eligible prior to being appointed, promoted, or employed. A suspension shall not be in effect for more than one year, but a city council may immediately vote to implement a new suspension upon the expiration of the prior suspension. Required hiring practices shall be immediately reinstated upon the expiration of a suspension. A city council may vote to reinstate hiring practices prior to the expiration of a suspension. A subsequent vote to suspend required hiring practices is considered a vote for a new suspension.