SB415 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Trip Pittman
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: State employees, review of dismissal decisions under State Merit System revised, venue for review of action by State Personnel Board specified, Sec. 36-26-27 am'd.
Summary: SB415 revises how dismissal reviews work for classified state employees, clarifies when the State Personnel Board can reverse or modify a dismissal, and sets the venue for judicial review.
What This Bill Does
The bill changes the review process for dismissals of classified employees under the State Merit System. If an employee is dismissed, they may appeal within 10 days, and the Board must order a public hearing if the employee requests it within 10 days. The Board may reverse or modify the dismissal and may reinstate the employee or impose other penalties (including back-wage forfeiture or a suspension up to 30 days) based on several specified grounds. Any judicial review of the Board's decisions must be filed in the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.

Who It Affects
Classified state employees who are dismissed; they gain clarified appeal rights and potential reinstatement or discipline options.
State appointing authorities/agencies that dismiss employees; their decisions are subject to Board review and possible reversal or modification, including potential loss of back wages or leave.
The judiciary, specifically the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, which will hear appeals of Board decisions.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 36-26-27 to revise dismissal review procedures for classified employees and specify when the Board may reverse or modify a dismissal.
Allows a dismissed employee to request a public hearing by the State Personnel Board within 10 days; the Board must hold a hearing if requested.
The Board may reinstate the employee or impose penalties, such as back wages forfeiture or a suspension up to 30 days, if the board finds merit in the charges.
Enumerates the grounds for reversing or modifying agency action: violation of law, excess of authority, violation of agency rules, unlawful procedure, error of law, clearly erroneous findings, or arbitrary/capricious action.
If the Board affirms the agency action, it may order the forfeiture of accrued and unused annual leave.
Requires judicial review of Board decisions to be filed in the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: State Employees