The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to law enforcement officers by introducing new protections for employees who provide testimony in disciplinary action appeals. Specifically, it would insert language that prohibits agencies, employers, or political subdivisions from taking retaliatory actions against employees for their testimony in such proceedings. This includes extending protections to employees designated as subject matter experts, ensuring they cannot be obstructed from providing testimony.
Additionally, the bill would make technical and conforming changes to existing statutes, such as clarifying that all hearings related to these appeals are open to the public and specifying that agencies must include final disposition reports in their investigation records. The bill also removes outdated language regarding the nature of hearings, replacing "shall be" with "are" to reflect the current legal framework. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the rights of employees involved in disciplinary appeals and ensure transparency in the process.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 38-1106
House Engrossed Version: 38-1106