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 officer 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 burden of proof on the city and the right to appeal decisions to the district court. Furthermore, it introduces provisions for the award of reasonable attorney fees and costs to employees who successfully appeal their disciplinary actions. The bill is effective immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 364.3, 80F.1, 400.18, 400.8A, 400.24, 400.27