This bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code related to city civil service employees and their governance. It prohibits cities with a civil service commission from establishing any citizen review boards for 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.

Furthermore, the bill outlines new procedures for appeals of disciplinary actions to the civil service commission and subsequently to the district court, including the establishment of a more detailed process for hearings and the exchange of evidence. It introduces provisions for awarding reasonable attorney fees and costs to employees who prevail in appeals under certain conditions. The bill is designed to enhance the rights of civil service employees while ensuring that disciplinary actions are conducted fairly and transparently. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

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