HB375 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Artis McCampbellRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Class 4 municipalities, personnel, employment further provided for, probationary period, Secs. 11-44B-43, 11-44B-44 am'd.

Summary

HB375 would remove the hiring ban for felons and dishonesty offenses for Class 4 municipalities and require a one-year probationary period for all appointments to covered municipal jobs from the start of employment.

What This Bill Does

It amends Sections 11-44B-43 and 11-44B-44 to eliminate the prohibition on appointing someone with a felony or dishonesty-related conviction. It requires that all appointments to covered jobs (including promotions, demotions, and transfers) start with a probationary period of one year from the appointment date, with exceptions for jobs that must meet state minimum standards. The probation period can be extended if the employee takes leave, and during probation a department head can discharge the employee with written reasons; the mayor may hold a hearing if there is a dispute over the discharge.

Who It Affects

• Applicants and current employees for covered jobs in Class 4 municipalities who may now be hired or promoted even if they have certain felony or dishonesty convictions; these individuals would still be subject to a probationary period.
• Municipal human resources departments, department heads, and the mayor, who administer hiring, promotions, probationary periods, and potential discharges and hearings.

Key Provisions

• Removes the prohibition that a person convicted of a felony or an offense involving dishonesty or false statement may not be appointed to municipal employment.
• Requires all appointments to covered jobs, including promotions, demotions, and transfers, to be on a probationary basis for one year from the date of appointment (longer if the job requires meeting state minimum standards).
• Leaves of absence extend the probationary period for the length of the leave.
• During probation, a department head may discharge a probationer in writing; if the mayor disagrees, a hearing may be held, and failure to schedule a timely hearing results in deemed consent to the discharge.
• The city’s existing process for eligibility lists, examinations, and selections remains, with appointments still made from the eligibility lists and the mayor having final oversight in certain cases.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Class 4 Municipalities