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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED
disciplinary action; appeal superior court
Purpose
Requires an employer that fails to reinstate a law enforcement officer who was terminated without just cause to pay all taxable costs and reasonable attorney and expert fees incurred by the officer.
Background
A classified law enforcement officer who is suspended, demoted or dismissed by the department head, after a hearing and review before the merit system council, may have the determination of the council reviewed in the superior court of the county in which the officer resides. If the determination of the council is overruled by the court, the law enforcement officer will be reinstated in the officer's position and the officer will be reimbursed for any compensation withheld pending determination by the council and court (A.R.S. § 38-1004).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires the employer, if a hearing officer, administrative law judge or appeals board determines that a termination of a law enforcement officer by an employer was without just cause and the employer fails to reinstate officer, to pay all taxable costs and reasonable attorney and expert fees incurred by the officer in any action to appeal or any other superior court action arising from the termination, regardless of the outcome of the action.
2. Makes technical and conforming changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
ˇ Adopted the strike-everything amendment.
Senate Action
PS 2/18/26 DPA/SE 5-2-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 25, 2026
KJA/KM/mg