Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends and makes changes to city civil service commissions that oversee the testing, hiring, promotion and discipline for police officers, firefighters and other civil service positions in the state of Iowa.

Highlights:

• Establishes that the mayor must publish notice of the names of persons selected for appointment to a civil service commission (Sec. 2). 

• Prohibits the removal, discharge, demotion, or suspension of a person holding civil service rights unless found in violation of the law, or mentally unfit (Sec. 2). 

• Requires the city to prove that the punishment imposed upon the employee is proportionate, reasonable and just (Sec. 3). 

• Prohibits a person from knowingly withholding exculpatory evidence from an employee subject to a written specification (Sec. 5). 

• Establishes the presiding officer of the commission or council as having power to administer oaths (Sec. 7). 

• Requires all subpoenas for witnesses to be consistent with the Iowa rules of civil procedure (Sec. 7). 

• Authorizes the commission to reverse the city’s decision of a specific charge with prejudice if the city fails to meet its burden of proof as to that charge (Sec. 9). 

• Requires the commission to provide evidence and exchange of exhibits in advance of the trial (Sec. 10).

Full Bill Text