HB479 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

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: HB479 allows Class 4 municipalities to hire people with felony or dishonesty convictions and requires a one-year probationary period for all covered jobs.
What This Bill Does
It removes the prohibition on appointing individuals convicted of a felony or offense involving dishonesty for covered municipal jobs. It requires every appointment, including promotions, demotions, and transfers, to be on a one-year probationary basis from the start of employment (with earlier completion if state minimum standards are met). It creates a discharge process during probation where a department head can discharge a probationer with written reasons to the mayor; the mayor may hold a hearing if they disagree, and failure to respond within the time frame is deemed consent; probationers can be suspended without pay pending the hearing. Firefighter and police promotions remain managed by the board. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects
Applicants and employees in Class 4 municipalities who hold or seek covered jobs; they could be hired even if they have felony or dishonesty convictions and will be subject to a one-year probationary period.
City officials and staff, including mayors, department heads, and the human resources department, who manage hiring decisions, probation administration, and related discharge/hearing procedures.

Key Provisions
Amends Sections 11-44B-43 and 11-44B-44 to remove the prohibition on appointing individuals convicted of a felony or an offense involving dishonesty or false statement for covered municipal jobs.
All appointments to covered jobs (including promotions, demotions, and transfers) must be on a one-year probationary basis from the date of appointment, with probation ending when state minimum standards are met if applicable.
Leave of absence extends the probationary period; during probation, the department head may discharge a probationer with written reasons to the mayor; the mayor may hold a hearing if they disagree; failure to notify within five business days results in deemed consent to discharge; probationers may be suspended without pay pending the hearing.
Promotions of firefighters and police officers remain to be made by the board, following the established process.
Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

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