Assigned to MAPS FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2479
law enforcement merit system; continuation
Purpose
Continues the Law Enforcement Merit System Council (LEMSC) for eight years, until July
1, 2031, retroactive to July 1, 2023.
Background
LEMSC adopts rules for the Department of Public Safety and the Arizona Police Officer
Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) that pertain to: 1) classification and compensation
plans; 2) standards and qualifications for all classified positions; 3) fair and impartial selection,
appointment, probation, promotion, retention and separation or removal from service by
resignation, retirement, reduction in force or dismissal of covered employees; 4) a performance
appraisal system which is used to evaluate the work performance of covered employees; and 5)
hearings of employee grievances related to classification, compensation and employee appraisals
(AZDPS).
A covered employee in the state personnel system who is a full authority peace officer as
certified by AZPOST, is appointed to a position that requires such a certification in the covered
service and who has completed the employee's original probationary period of service as provided
by the personnel rules, may file an appeal with LEMSC for a: 1) dismissal from covered service;
2) suspension for more than 40 working hours; or 3) involuntary demotion resulting from
disciplinary action. In hearing and reviewing an appeal, LEMSC: 1) must determine whether the
employing agency has proven by a preponderance of the evidence that the employing agency had
just cause to discipline the employee; 2) may recommend modification of a disciplinary action if
the state agency head has not proven by a preponderance of the evidence that the employing agency
had just cause to discipline the employee; and 3) must reverse the decision of the state agency head
if LEMSC finds that just cause did not exist for any discipline to be imposed and, in the case of
dismissal or demotion, return the employee to the same position the employee held before the
dismissal or demotion with or without back pay (A.R.S. ยง 41-1830.16).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Continues LEMSC for eight years, until July 1, 2031, retroactive to July 1, 2023.
2. Repeals statute relating to LEMSC on January 1, 2032.
3. Contains a purpose statement.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date, retroactive to July 1, 2023. FACT SHEET
H.B. 2479
Page 2
House Action
MAPS 1/23/23 DP 15-0-0-0
3
rd
Read 2/13/23 58-2-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 28, 2023
ZD/KS/sr