SB444 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim MelsonSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Employment, State Merit System, working test period increased for initial appointment, Sec. 36-26-21am'd.

Summary

SB444 would lengthen the initial working test period for new State Merit System employees in Alabama's classified service, with the duration set by the director (not less than six months and potentially up to three years).

What This Bill Does

It extends the initial working test for classified service hires to a period determined by the director, at a minimum six months and up to three years. During the test, the appointing authority must report on the employee’s performance and dependability. Employees can be removed during the test for unsatisfactory performance or other reasons, under specified oversight, and there are procedures for notifying the director and employee before the period ends and for continuation and pay eligibility. The bill also allows for restoration to lists if removed and describes reemployment options, while preserving existing salary progression rules, and it becomes law after a defined effective date.

Who It Affects

• New hires and applicants to Alabama's classified State Merit System positions, who would undergo a longer initial working test period and be subject to ongoing evaluation and potential removal during that period.
• State agencies, appointing authorities, and the State Personnel Director, who would set the test duration within the allowed range, conduct evaluations, and oversee removals and related reporting.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 36-26-21 to extend the working test period for initial appointments in the classified service; duration is at least six months and may be up to three years as established by the director.
• During the working test, the appointing authority must report observations about the employee's performance, willingness, and dependability to the director.
• An employee may be removed during the working test if the employee is unable or unwilling to perform duties satisfactorily, with procedures and limits on removals (including a limit of no more than three removals from the same position without director approval) and potential director removal for fraud or error.
• Ten days before the end of the working test, the appointing authority must notify the director in writing about the employee’s satisfactory status and whether they will be continued; the employee must be notified; pay after the test ends requires continuation approval.
• If removed during or at the end of the working test but found suitable for another position, the employee's name may be restored to the certification list or placed on the reemployment list if previously regular in another classified job.
• Nothing in the amendments changes regular salary progression rules for classified employees.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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

Subjects

Merit System