This bill amends various provisions related to city civil service employees in Iowa, specifically addressing the establishment and operation of civil service commissions. It prohibits cities with a civil service commission from creating any board or entity for citizen review of police conduct. Additionally, it changes the requirements for the number of civil service commissioners in larger cities, mandating that cities with populations over 50,000 must have between five and seven commissioners, as opposed to the previous minimum of three for cities over 70,000.

The bill also revises the standards and procedures for the removal, discharge, demotion, or suspension of civil service employees, emphasizing that such actions must be based on just cause and supported by a preponderance of evidence. It outlines the appeal process for employees facing disciplinary actions, including the rights to a public trial and the ability to engage in discovery. Furthermore, it allows for the awarding of reasonable attorney fees and costs to employees who substantially prevail in appeals against decisions made by the civil service commission. The bill is effective immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 364.3, 400.1, 400.18, 400.8A, 400.24, 400.26, 400.27