ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Majority Research Staff

HB 2681: employee merit system; dismissal; appeal

Sponsor: Representative Hernandez A, LD 20

Committee on Government

Overview

Changes the window that an officer or employee in the classified civil service can appeal an order of dismissal, suspension or reduction to 10 business days after the order is presented to them.

History

The appointing authority officer can dismiss, suspend, or reduce an officer or employee in rank or compensation by a written order stating the specific reasons for the action. The order must be filed in the officer or employee's official county personnel record and a copy must be provided to the officer or employee. The officer or employee has 10 calendar days to appeal the order through the clerk of the County Employee Merit System Commission (Commission). The Commission must set a hearing date within 20 calendar days of receiving the order and the appeal. The appellant can appear with evidence and counsel. The Commission may appoint a hearing officer to conduct the hearing and receive evidence. When a single hearing officer is appointed, the hearing must be open to the public unless there is good cause. If a hearing officer is appointed following the hearing, the hearing officer must submit proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law and a recommendation to the Commission. After the hearing or receiving the hearing officer's findings, conclusions and recommendations, the Commission must either affirm, modify or revoke the order (A.R.S. § 11-356).

Provisions

1. Alters the time within which an officer or employee in the classified civil service can appeal an order of dismissal, suspension or reduction of rank or compensation from 10 calendar days to 10 business days after the order is presented to them. (Sec. 1)

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5. Initials ML/MN HB 2681

6. 2/4/2026 Page 0 Government

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