H.B. 433 Enrolled

1

PEACE OFFICER MERIT AMENDMENTS
2 2014 GENERAL SESSION
3 STATE OF UTAH
4 Chief Sponsor: Brad L. Dee
5 Senate Sponsor: Howard A. Stephenson
6
7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill enacts language related to a peace officer merit system in a county of the first
10 class.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This bill:
13 . enacts the Peace Officer Merit System in Counties of the First Class Act, including
14 provisions relating to the following:
15 . definitions and application;
16 . merit system commission powers and duties;
17 . merit officer conditions of employment;
18 . disciplinary actions and appeals; and
19 . the sheriff's authority to appoint more than one chief deputy, deputy chief, or
20 undersheriff; and
21 . makes technical and conforming amendments.
22 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
23 None
24 Other Special Clauses:
25 None
26 Utah Code Sections Affected:
27 AMENDS:
28 17-22-2 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2009, Chapter 218
29 17-30-2 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 1993, Chapter 227

30 17-33-1 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapters 25 and 172
31 53-13-105 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2002, Fifth Special Session, Chapter 8
32 ENACTS:
33 17-30a-101 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
34 17-30a-102 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
35 17-30a-103 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
36 17-30a-104 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
37 17-30a-201 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
38 17-30a-202 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
39 17-30a-203 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
40 17-30a-204 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
41 17-30a-205 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
42 17-30a-206 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
43 17-30a-207 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
44 17-30a-301 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
45 17-30a-302 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
46 17-30a-303 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
47 17-30a-304 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
48 17-30a-305 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
49 17-30a-306 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
50 17-30a-307 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
51 17-30a-308 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
52 17-30a-309 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
53 17-30a-310 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
54 17-30a-311 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
55 17-30a-312 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
56 17-30a-313 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
57 17-30a-314 , Utah Code Annotated 1953

58 17-30a-401 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
59 17-30a-402 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
60 17-30a-403 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
61 17-30a-404 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
62 17-30a-501 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
63 17-30a-502 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
64
65 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
66 Section 1. Section 17-22-2 is amended to read:
67 17-22-2. Sheriff -- General duties.
68 (1) The sheriff shall:
69 (a) preserve the peace;
70 (b) make all lawful arrests;
71 (c) attend in person or by deputy the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals when
72 required or when the court is held within his county, all courts of record, and court
73 commissioner and referee sessions held within his county, obey their lawful orders and
74 directions, and comply with the court security rule, Rule 3-414, of the Utah Code of Judicial
75 Administration;
76 (d) upon request of the juvenile court, aid the court in maintaining order during
77 hearings and transport a minor to and from youth corrections facilities, other institutions, or
78 other designated places;
79 (e) attend county justice courts if the judge finds that the matter before the court
80 requires the sheriff's attendance for security, transportation, and escort of jail prisoners in his
81 custody, or for the custody of jurors;
82 (f) command the aid of as many inhabitants of his county as he considers necessary in
83 the execution of these duties;
84 (g) take charge of and keep the county jail and the jail prisoners;
85 (h) receive and safely keep all persons committed to his custody, file and preserve the

86 commitments of those persons, and record the name, age, place of birth, and description of
87 each person committed;
88 (i) release on the record all attachments of real property when the attachment he
89 receives has been released or discharged;
90 (j) endorse on all process and notices the year, month, day, hour, and minute of
91 reception, and, upon payment of fees, issue a certificate to the person delivering process or
92 notice showing the names of the parties, title of paper, and the time of receipt;
93 (k) serve all process and notices as prescribed by law;
94 (l) if he makes service of process or notice, certify on the process or notices the
95 manner, time, and place of service, or, if he fails to make service, certify the reason upon the
96 process or notice, and return them without delay;
97 (m) extinguish fires occurring in the undergrowth, trees, or wooded areas on the public
98 land within his county;
99 (n) perform as required by any contracts between the county and private contractors for
100 management, maintenance, operation, and construction of county jails entered into under the
101 authority of Section 17-53-311 ;
102 (o) for the sheriff of a county that enters into an interlocal agreement for law
103 enforcement service under Title 11, Chapter 13, Interlocal Cooperation Act, provide law
104 enforcement service as provided in the interlocal agreement;
105 (p) manage search and rescue services in his county;
106 (q) obtain saliva DNA specimens as required under Section 53-10-404 ;
107 (r) on or before January 1, 2003, adopt a written policy that prohibits the stopping,
108 detention, or search of any person when the action is solely motivated by considerations of
109 race, color, ethnicity, age, or gender; and
110 (s) perform any other duties that are required by law.
111 (2) Violation of Subsection (1)(j) is a class C misdemeanor. Violation of any other
112 subsection under Subsection (1) is a class A misdemeanor.
113 (3) (a) As used in this Subsection (3):

114 (i) "Police interlocal entity" has the same meaning as defined in [Section] Sections
115 17-30-3 and 17-30a-102 .
116 (ii) "Police local district" has the same meaning as defined in Section 17-30-3 .
117 (b) A sheriff in a county which includes within its boundary a police local district or
118 police interlocal entity, or both:
119 (i) serves as the chief executive officer of each police local district and police interlocal
120 entity within the county with respect to the provision of law enforcement service within the
121 boundary of the police local district or police interlocal entity, respectively; and
122 (ii) is subject to the direction of the police local district board of trustees or police
123 interlocal entity governing body, as the case may be, as and to the extent provided by
124 agreement between the police local district or police interlocal entity, respectively, and the
125 sheriff.
126 (c) If a police interlocal entity or police local district enters an interlocal agreement
127 with a public agency, as defined in Section 11-13-103 , for the provision of law enforcement
128 service, the sheriff:
129 (i) does not serve as the chief executive officer of any interlocal entity created under
130 that interlocal agreement, unless the agreement provides for the sheriff to serve as the chief
131 executive officer; and
132 (ii) shall provide law enforcement service under that interlocal agreement as provided
133 in the agreement.
134 Section 2. Section 17-30-2 is amended to read:
135 17-30-2. Application -- Subordinate officers in sheriff's office to be appointed
136 from list -- Officers serving on effective date considered qualified.
137 (1) This chapter does not apply to a county of the first class or an interlocal entity, as
138 defined in Section 11-13-103 , in which a county of the first class is a party to an interlocal
139 agreement to provide law enforcement service.
140 [(1)] (2) From and after the effective date of this act the sheriff of each county with a
141 population of 20,000 people or more which shall regularly employ one or more peace officers

142 shall, by and with the advice and consent of the county legislative body, and subject to the rules
143 and regulations of the merit service commission, appoint from the classified merit service list
144 furnished by the merit service commission, all subordinate peace officers in his department and
145 in like manner fill all vacancies in the same and shall further promote, transfer, demote,
146 suspend or remove peace officers in accordance with the provisions of this act.
147 [(2)] (3) Every peace officer who is serving as such upon the effective date of this act
148 [shall be deemed] is considered fully qualified for such position without examination or test
149 and [deemed] is considered to have been appointed and to hold his position and classification
150 pursuant to the provisions of this act.
151 [(3)] (4) Counties with a population of less than 20,000 people may implement a
152 deputy sheriff's merit system if approved by the county legislative body or the people of the
153 county through referendum or initiative.
154 Section 3. Section 17-30a-101 is enacted to read:
155 CHAPTER 30a. PEACE OFFICER MERIT SYSTEM IN COUNTIES OF THE FIRST
156 CLASS ACT
157 Part 1. General Provisions
158 17-30a-101. Title.
159 (1) This chapter is known as "Peace Officer Merit System in Counties of the First Class
160 Act."
161 (2) This part is known as "General Provisions."
162 Section 4. Section 17-30a-102 is enacted to read:
163 17-30a-102. Definitions.
164 (1) "Appointing authority" means the county sheriff or the chief executive officer of a
165 police interlocal entity.
166 (2) "Commission" means the merit system commission consisting of three persons
167 appointed in accordance with Section 17-30a-202 .
168 (3) "Department" means a county sheriff's office or a police interlocal entity.
169 (4) "Legislative body" means the county legislative body or the governing body of the

170 police interlocal entity.
171 (5) "Merit system officer" means a peace officer who has merit status as defined in this
172 chapter.
173 (6) "Peace officer" means a paid deputy sheriff or law enforcement officer, other than a
174 chief deputy or other exempt appointed officer designated by the appointing authority, who is
175 in the continuous employ of the appointing authority.
176 (7) "Police interlocal entity" means an interlocal entity, as defined in Section
177 11-13-103 , created:
178 (a) under Title 11, Chapter 13, Interlocal Cooperation Act, by an agreement to which a
179 county of the first class is a party; and
180 (b) to provide law enforcement service to an area that includes the unincorporated part
181 of the county.
182 Section 5. Section 17-30a-103 is enacted to read:
183 17-30a-103. Application.
184 This chapter applies to a county of the first class or a police interlocal entity in which a
185 county of the first class is a party to an interlocal agreement to provide law enforcement
186 service.
187 Section 6. Section 17-30a-104 is enacted to read:
188 17-30a-104. Subordinate officers appointed, reappointed -- Officers serving on
189 effective date considered qualified.
190 (1) The appointing authority of a county or police interlocal entity subject to this
191 chapter that regularly employs one or more peace officers shall:
192 (a) appoint a peace officer with the advice and consent of the county legislative body or
193 police interlocal entity governing body, subject to the rules and regulations of the commission;
194 (b) appoint each subordinate peace officer;
195 (c) fill a vacancy in the department; and
196 (d) further promote, transfer, reassign, reappoint, demote, suspend, or remove a peace
197 officer in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

198 (2) The commission shall adopt rules governing the appointment of peace officers
199 through reappointment of a former employee who separated in good standing, within one year
200 after separation.
201 (3) A peace officer appointed before May 13, 2014, is considered to have been
202 appointed to and hold the officer's position and classification pursuant to the provisions of this
203 chapter.
204 Section 7. Section 17-30a-201 is enacted to read:
205 Part 2. Merit System Commission Powers and Duties
206 17-30a-201. Title.
207 This part is known as "Merit System Commission Powers and Duties."
208 Section 8. Section 17-30a-202 is enacted to read:
209 17-30a-202. Establishment of merit commission -- Appointment, qualifications,
210 and compensation of members.
211 (1) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(b), a county subject to this chapter shall
212 establish a merit system commission consisting of three appointed members:
213 (i) two members appointed by the legislative body of the county; and
214 (ii) one member appointed by the governing body of a police interlocal entity.
215 (b) If there is no police interlocal entity within the county, the county legislative body
216 shall appoint all three members of a commission described in Subsection (1)(a).
217 (c) No more than two members of the commission may be affiliated with or members
218 of the same political party.
219 (d) (i) Of the original appointees described in Subsection (1)(a) or (b), one member
220 shall be appointed for a term ending February 1 of the first odd-numbered year after the date of
221 appointment, and one each for terms ending two and four years thereafter.
222 (ii) For a term subsequent to a term described in Subsection (1)(d), a commission
223 member shall hold a term of six years.
224 (e) If an appointed position described in Subsection (1)(a) or (b) is vacated for a cause
225 other than expiration of the member's term, the position is filled by appointment for the

226 unexpired portion of the term only.
227 (2) A member of the commission:
228 (a) shall be a resident of the state;
229 (b) for at least five years preceding the date of appointment a resident of:
230 (i) the county; or
231 (ii) if applicable, the area served by the police interlocal entity from which appointed;
232 and
233 (c) may not hold another office or employment with the county or, if applicable, in a
234 municipality served by the police interlocal entity for which the member is appointed.
235 (3) The county legislative body or interlocal entity governing body may compensate a
236 member for service on the commission and reimburse the member for necessary expenses
237 incurred in the performance of the member's duties.
238 Section 9. Section 17-30a-203 is enacted to read:
239 17-30a-203. General duty of commission.
240 (1) The commission:
241 (a) is responsible for carrying out the provisions of this chapter; and
242 (b) shall make necessary rules and regulations to govern the merit system in
243 accordance with this chapter, including:
244 (i) adopting merit rules regarding:
245 (A) appointments and registers;
246 (B) examinations;
247 (C) promotions;
248 (D) reassignments;
249 (E) reappointments;
250 (F) disciplinary grievance procedures;
251 (G) administrative reviews;
252 (H) recognition of the equivalency of another merit system for the purpose of
253 appointing a peace officer from another agency; and

254 (I) reductions in force;
255 (ii) adopting a rule regarding the preparation of a job classification plan; and
256 (iii) adopting rules necessary for the efficient management of the merit system not
257 specifically enumerated above and not inconsistent with this chapter or applicable law.
258 (2) Upon the request of the appointing authority and after conducting a public hearing,
259 the commission may temporarily suspend a rule if the suspension is necessary for the proper
260 enforcement of this chapter.
261 Section 10. Section 17-30a-204 is enacted to read:
262 17-30a-204. Organization of commission -- Support -- Offices.
263 (1) The members of the commission shall select one member as chair.
264 (2) The commission shall adopt rules concerning its internal organization and
265 procedures.
266 (3) (a) The county sheriff or the chief executive of the police interlocal entity:
267 (i) shall assign human resources staff sufficient to perform the commission's support
268 duties; and
269 (ii) may assign other staff to the commission with the consent of the commission.
270 (b) The county or police interlocal entity shall provide suitable accommodations,
271 supplies, and equipment as needed to enable the commission to attend to its business.
272 (c) The county sheriff or chief executive of the police interlocal entity may, in
273 accordance with the contracting process established by the county or police interlocal entity,
274 contract support services to third parties.
275 Section 11. Section 17-30a-205 is enacted to read:
276 17-30a-205. Comprehensive job classification plan.
277 (1) The commission shall formulate a comprehensive job classification plan covering
278 all merit system officers employed by the sheriff or by the police interlocal entity.
279 (2) The plan shall:
280 (a) place all positions requiring substantially the same duties and qualifications in the
281 same classification;

282 (b) include minimum physical and educational qualifications of the applicants for each
283 position; and
284 (c) provide standards for promotion.
285 (3) In the event a new position is created and approved, the commission shall classify
286 the position in the classification plan.
287 Section 12. Section 17-30a-206 is enacted to read:
288 17-30a-206. Oaths and subpoenas -- Witnesses.
289 (1) (a) A member of the commission, in performance of commission duties, may
290 administer oaths and subpoena witnesses and documents.
291 (b) If a person refuses to or fails to obey a subpoena issued by a commissioner, the
292 district court may, upon application by a commissioner, compel obedience.
293 (2) (a) A witness in a proceeding before the commission is subject to all the rights,
294 privileges, duties, and penalties of witnesses in courts of record.
295 (b) The commission shall pay a witness fee equivalent to those paid for a court of
296 record.
297 Section 13. Section 17-30a-207 is enacted to read:
298 17-30a-207. Duty of commission to provide for unspecified activities.
299 The commission may provide by rule for the operation and functioning of an activity
300 within the purpose and spirit of this chapter if the activity is necessary and proper and not
301 otherwise prohibited by law.
302 Section 14. Section 17-30a-301 is enacted to read:
303 Part 3. Merit Officer Conditions of Employment
304 17-30a-301. Title.
305 This part is known as "Merit Officer Conditions of Employment."
306 Section 15. Section 17-30a-302 is enacted to read:
307 17-30a-302. Examinations -- How prepared, conducted, and graded -- Notice of
308 examination.
309 (1) (a) If necessary, the commission shall give a competitive examination to determine

310 the qualification of an applicant for a position as a merit system officer.
311 (b) The commission shall ensure that an examination:
312 (i) is practical in character; and
313 (ii) relates to matters that fairly test the mental and physical ability and knowledge of
314 an applicant to discharge the duties of the position.
315 (c) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(c)(ii), the commission shall direct the
316 preparation, administration, and grading of the examination.
317 (ii) The commission may direct an impartial special examiner to prepare, administer,
318 and grade the examination on behalf of the commission.
319 (2) (a) The commission shall publish notice of an examination internally and to the
320 public.
321 (b) (i) The commission shall design the notice described in Subsection (2)(a) to
322 encourage an applicant to participate in competitive appointments.
323 (ii) The notice shall set forth minimum qualifications, pay scale, physical and
324 educational requirements, and passing grades.
325 (c) The commission or the commission's designee shall promptly notify a person of the
326 person's final grade.
327 Section 16. Section 17-30a-303 is enacted to read:
328 17-30a-303. Disqualification of applicant for examination -- Appeal to
329 commission.
330 (1) In accordance with this section and rules adopted by the commission, an applicant
331 may be disqualified if the applicant:
332 (a) does not meet minimum qualifications;
333 (b) has been convicted of a criminal offense inimical to the public service or involving
334 moral turpitude;
335 (c) has practiced or attempted deception or fraud in the application or examination
336 process or in securing eligibility for appointment; or
337 (d) is not a citizen of the United States.

338 (2) If an applicant is rejected, the applicant shall be promptly notified.
339 (3) At any time prior to the date of examination, an applicant may correct a defect in
340 the applicant's application.
341 (4) An applicant may file a written appeal regarding the application process with the
342 commission at any time before the date of the exam.
343 Section 17. Section 17-30a-304 is enacted to read:
344 17-30a-304. Preservation and inspection of examination papers.
345 (1) (a) Examination papers and related documents are the property of the commission
346 and the commission shall preserve them until the expiration of the eligible register for which an
347 examination is given.
348 (b) Preservation of examination papers and related documents after the time period
349 described in Subsection (1)(a) is subject to a retention schedule adopted by the commission.
350 (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(b), examination papers and related
351 documents are not open to public inspection without a court order.
352 (b) An applicant may inspect the applicant's own papers at any time within 30 days
353 after the commission sends notice of the applicant's grade.
354 (c) The appointing authority may inspect the papers of any eligible applicant certified
355 for appointment.
356 Section 18. Section 17-30a-305 is enacted to read:
357 17-30a-305. Preparation and expiration of eligible appointment register.
358 (1) Upon completion of an examination, the commission shall prepare and adopt an
359 eligible appointment register containing the names of applicants receiving a passing grade
360 ranked in the order of grades earned, beginning with the highest.
361 (2) (a) An eligible appointment register shall expire not later than two years after the
362 date of the examination unless the commission, for good reason, extends the time not to exceed
363 one additional year.
364 (b) If the commission adopts a new eligible appointment register, a previous
365 appointment register for the same class or position is cancelled.

366 Section 19. Section 17-30a-306 is enacted to read:
367 17-30a-306. Appointments from eligible appointment register -- Failure to accept
368 appointment.
369 (1) If the appointment of a peace officer is an appointment based on an examination,
370 the appointing authority shall request that the commission certify eligible applicants for each
371 position.
372 (2) (a) The commission shall certify, to the appointing authority, a number of names
373 equal to three times the number of allocations being filled.
374 (b) The names of the applicants shall be ranked in order of examination score,
375 beginning with the name of the applicant standing highest on the eligible appointment register.
376 (3) The appointing authority shall select a person described in Subsection (2)(b) and
377 appoint one person to each open position.
378 (4) If a certified applicant fails to accept a proffered appointment, the applicant:
379 (a) may request in writing that the applicant be able to retain the applicant's place on
380 the eligible appointment register; and
381 (b) shall provide reasons sufficient, in the judgment of the commission, to justify the
382 applicant's failure to accept.
383 Section 20. Section 17-30a-307 is enacted to read:
384 17-30a-307. Probationary period of appointment.
385 (1) A peace officer appointed under Section 17-30a-306 shall serve a probationary
386 period of 12 consecutive months, during which time the officer may be discharged at the sole
387 discretion of the appointing authority.
388 (2) (a) At the request of the appointing authority and with the approval of the
389 commission, the probationary period may be extended beyond 12 months for an officer who
390 has not yet satisfactorily completed an approved peace officer training program and received a
391 certificate of completion under Title 53, Chapter 6, Peace Officer Standards and Training Act.
392 (b) At the request of the appointing authority and with the approval of the commission,
393 the probationary period of an officer may be extended beyond 12 months for good cause

394 shown.
395 (c) Service under a temporary or part-time appointment is not considered a part of the
396 probationary period.
397 (3) If a peace officer is retained in a position after the expiration of the probationary
398 period, the officer's retention constitutes appointment to merit status.
399 (4) A person removed from employment during the probationary period may not be
400 placed on the eligible register again without having passed another regular examination.
401 (5) The commission may adopt rules governing probationary periods for other
402 appointments, including the appointing or transfer of a peace officer from another jurisdiction.
403 Section 21. Section 17-30a-308 is enacted to read:
404 17-30a-308. Vacancies -- Positions requiring special qualifications -- Competition
405 suspended -- Promotion -- Promotional register.
406 (1) In case of a vacancy in a position requiring peculiar and exceptional qualifications
407 of a scientific, professional, or expert character, and upon satisfactory evidence that
408 competition is impracticable and the position can best be filled by the selection of some
409 designated person of recognized attainments, the commission may, after a public hearing and
410 by unanimous vote, suspend competition regarding that position.
411 (2) The commission shall report a suspension under Subsection (1) in the commission
412 minutes, together with the reason for suspension.
413 (3) With the exception of an appointment made in accordance with a commission rule
414 adopted under Subsection 17-30a-203 (1)(b)(i)(H), a department shall fill a supervisor vacancy
415 in the merit system classification by promotion insofar as possible.
416 (4) (a) A department shall make a promotion only after an open competitive
417 examination, admission to which shall be limited to merit system officers.
418 (b) An examination process described in Subsection (4)(a) shall include consideration
419 of the seniority and competence of the peace officer to perform the duties required in the
420 position for which application is made.
421 (c) The seniority element of the examination may not exceed 40% of the entire

422 examination score.
423 (5) (a) After a promotional examination, the commission shall prepare a promotional
424 register that shall take precedence over any previously existing register.
425 (b) The certified promotional register shall consist of three names for the initial
426 vacancy and one more name for each additional vacancy, ranked in the order of the
427 examination score, beginning with the highest scoring applicant.
428 Section 22. Section 17-30a-309 is enacted to read:
429 17-30a-309. Transfer and reassignment.
430 (1) A merit system officer may be transferred, without examination, from one position
431 to a similar position in the same class and grade within the department.
432 (2) A merit system officer may be voluntarily reassigned, including to another class
433 and grade, in accordance with rules adopted by the commission.
434 Section 23. Section 17-30a-310 is enacted to read:
435 17-30a-310. Temporary and part-time appointment.
436 (1) A department may appoint an employee to a temporary appointment for a period
437 not exceeding 120 days within any 12 month period.
438 (2) A temporary employee is not a merit system officer and may be appointed without
439 examination.
440 (3) A department may appoint an employee to a part-time appointment for a period not
441 to exceed 29 hours per week.
442 (4) A part-time employee is not a merit system officer and may be appointed without
443 examination.
444 Section 24. Section 17-30a-311 is enacted to read:
445 17-30a-311. Temporary layoffs -- Reappointment register.
446 (1) Subject to Subsections (2) and (3), and if necessary, because of lack of funds or
447 work, a department may temporarily lay off a merit system officer.
448 (2) A department that lays off a merit system officer under Subsection (1) shall lay off
449 the officer according to the seniority of the officers of the class of positions affected, following

450 the process prescribed by commission rule.
451 (3) A department shall lay off a person serving under temporary or part-time
452 appointment before a merit system officer.
453 (4) (a) If a merit system officer is laid off, the department shall place the officer on a
454 reappointment register to be reappointed in the inverse order in which the officer is laid off.
455 (b) The register described in Subsection (4)(a) takes precedence over all eligible
456 reappointment registers.
457 Section 25. Section 17-30a-312 is enacted to read:
458 17-30a-312. Reappointment after temporary leave.
459 (1) (a) Consistent with rules adopted by the commission and within the appointing
460 authority's discretion, a merit system officer may be granted a temporary leave of absence
461 outside the department.
462 (b) Leave granted under Subsection (1)(a) is without pay and for a period not to exceed
463 one year.
464 (c) In accordance with applicable law or ordinance, the appointing authority may
465 reappoint the officer without examination at the end of the leave.
466 (2) (a) In the event a merit system officer is elected sheriff or is appointed to any
467 merit-exempt position in the department, the officer's merit system status shall automatically be
468 suspended for the period of time the officer remains sheriff or in a merit-exempt appointment.
469 (b) At the end of the period of election to sheriff or suspension of merit status under
470 Subsection (2)(a), the officer shall be returned to the officer's former position as a merit system
471 officer without examination.
472 (3) The appointing authority shall authorize any leave required by federal law.
473 Section 26. Section 17-30a-313 is enacted to read:
474 17-30a-313. Vacation, sick leave, and other benefits.
475 For merit system officers, provisions regarding vacation, sick, other leave, or any other
476 employment condition or benefit not covered by this chapter shall be established by:
477 (1) applicable law;

478 (2) county ordinance or regulation; or
479 (3) police interlocal entity rule or regulation.
480 Section 27. Section 17-30a-314 is enacted to read:
481 17-30a-314. Prohibitions against political activities -- Penalties.
482 (1) (a) An officer, employee, or member of a governing body of a county or a police
483 interlocal entity, whether elected or appointed, may not directly or indirectly coerce, command,
484 or advise a merit system officer to pay, lend, or contribute part of the officer's salary or
485 compensation or anything else of value to a party, committee, organization, agency, or person
486 for political purpose.
487 (b) A county or police interlocal entity officer, employee, or member of a governing
488 body, whether elected or appointed, may not make or attempt to make a merit system officer's
489 personnel status dependent upon the officer's support or lack of support for a political party,
490 committee, organization, agency, or person engaged in a political activity.
491 (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to political speeches or use of mass communications
492 media for political purposes by a person where a merit system officer is present, unless the
493 purpose and intent of the speaker is to violate this section with direct respect to those merit
494 system officers.
495 (3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a merit system officer may not engage
496 in a political activity or solicit political contributions from merit system officers during the
497 hours of employment, or use employer resources at any time for political purposes.
498 (b) Subsection (3)(a) does not preclude a voluntary contribution by a merit system
499 officer to the party or candidate of the officer's choice.
500 Section 28. Section 17-30a-401 is enacted to read:
501 Part 4. Disciplinary Actions and Appeals
502 17-30a-401. Title.
503 This part is known as "Disciplinary Actions and Appeals."
504 Section 29. Section 17-30a-402 is enacted to read:
505 17-30a-402. Disciplinary charges -- Grounds -- Process.

506 (1) An appointing authority may demote, suspend, discharge, or reduce a merit system
507 officer's pay for:
508 (a) neglect of duty;
509 (b) disobedience of a reasonable order;
510 (c) misconduct;
511 (d) inefficiency or inability to satisfactorily perform assigned duties; or
512 (e) an act inimical to public service.
513 (2) A department may not suspend a merit system officer for more than 176 work hours
514 at one time or for more than 352 work hours in one year.
515 (3) The appointing authority shall order the demotion, reduction in pay, suspension, or
516 discharge of a merit system officer.
517 Section 30. Section 17-30a-403 is enacted to read:
518 17-30a-403. Disciplinary charges -- Appeal to commission -- Hearing -- Findings.
519 (1) The appointing authority:
520 (a) may impose disciplinary charges in accordance with a rule, policy, ordinance, or
521 law; and
522 (b) shall serve the merit system officer to be disciplined with a copy of the written
523 charges.
524 (2) (a) A disciplined merit system officer may file an appeal of the disciplinary charges
525 with the department, which shall conduct the appeal internally.
526 (b) The department shall conduct an appeal in accordance with rules or policies
527 adopted by the appointing authority.
528 (3) If the disciplinary charges are sustained on internal appeal, the merit system officer
529 may appeal to the commission in accordance with the provisions of this section and
530 commission rule.
531 (4) (a) A merit system officer disciplined in accordance with Subsection (1) may,
532 within 10 calendar days after the internal department appeal decision described in Subsection
533 (2), make an appeal in writing to the commission.

534 (b) If the merit system officer fails to make an internal appeal of the disciplinary action,
535 the officer may not appeal to the commission.
536 (5) The commission may hear appeals regarding demotion, reduction in pay,
537 suspension, or discharge of a merit system officer for any cause provided in Section
538 17-30a-402 .
539 (6) In the absence of an appeal, a copy of the charges under Subsection (1) may not be
540 made public without the consent of the officer charged.
541 (7) (a) The commission shall:
542 (i) fix a time and place for a hearing on the appeal; and
543 (ii) give notice of the hearing to the parties.
544 (b) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (7)(b)(ii), the commission shall hold a hearing
545 under this Subsection (7) no less than 10 and no more than 90 days after an appeal is filed.
546 (ii) The commission may hold a hearing more than 90 days after an appeal is filed if:
547 (A) the parties agree; or
548 (B) the commission finds that the delay is for good cause.
549 (8) (a) The commission shall hold the hearing in accordance with Title 52, Chapter 4,
550 Open and Public Meetings Act.
551 (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (8)(a), if the commission proposes to and is authorized
552 to close the hearing to the public in accordance with Title 52, Chapter 4, Open and Public
553 Meetings Act, the commission shall open the meeting to the public if the aggrieved officer
554 requests that the commission open the hearing.
555 (9) The parties may be represented by counsel at the hearing.
556 (10) The commission, on its own motion or at the request of the appointing authority,
557 may dismiss an appeal for unjustified delay, removal to a court or other venue, or for other
558 good cause shown.
559 (11) In resolving an appeal, the commission may sustain, modify, or vacate a decision
560 of the appointing authority.
561 (12) After the hearing, the commission shall publish a written decision, including

562 findings of fact and conclusions of law, and shall notify each party.
563 Section 31. Section 17-30a-404 is enacted to read:
564 17-30a-404. Appeal to Court of Appeals -- Scope of review.
565 (1) A person may appeal a final action or order of the commission to the Court of
566 Appeals for review.
567 (2) A person shall file a notice of appeal within 30 days of the issuance of the final
568 action or order of the commission.
569 (3) The Court of Appeals shall base its review on the record of the commission and for
570 the purpose of determining if the commission has abused its discretion or exceeded its
571 authority.
572 Section 32. Section 17-30a-501 is enacted to read:
573 Part 5. Miscellaneous Provisions
574 17-30a-501. Title.
575 This part is known as "Miscellaneous Provisions."
576 Section 33. Section 17-30a-502 is enacted to read:
577 17-30a-502. More than one chief deputy in larger county departments.
578 The sheriff, with the consent of the commission and the county legislative body, may
579 appoint more than one chief deputy, deputy chief, or undersheriff.
580 Section 34. Section 17-33-1 is amended to read:
581 17-33-1. Title -- Establishment of merit system -- Separate systems for peace
582 officers and firemen recognized -- Options of small counties.
583 (1) This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "County Personnel
584 Management Act."
585 (2) A merit system of personnel administration for the counties of the state of Utah,
586 their departments, offices, and agencies, except as otherwise specifically provided, is
587 established.
588 (3) This chapter recognizes the existence of the merit systems for peace officers of the
589 several counties as provided for in Chapter 30, Deputy Sheriffs - Merit System, and Chapter

590 30a, Peace Officer Merit System in Counties of the First Class Act, and for firemen of the
591 several counties as provided for in Chapter 28, Firemen's Civil Service Commission, and is
592 intended to give county commissions the option of using the provisions of this chapter as a
593 single merit system for all county employees or in combination with these existing systems for
594 firemen and peace officers.
595 (4) On or after May 6, 2002, any county that has fewer than 200 employees not covered
596 by other merit systems or not exempt under Subsections 17-33-8 (1)(b)(i) through (vii) may, at
597 its option, comply with the provisions of this chapter.
598 (5) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection (4), any county which was in
599 compliance with the provisions of this chapter prior to May 6, 2002, shall continue to comply
600 with the provisions of this chapter even though the county may not thereafter meet or exceed
601 the threshold requirements of Subsection (4).
602 Section 35. Section 53-13-105 is amended to read:
603 53-13-105. Special function officer.
604 (1) (a) "Special function officer" means a sworn and certified peace officer performing
605 specialized investigations, service of legal process, security functions, or specialized ordinance,
606 rule, or regulatory functions.
607 (b) "Special function officer" includes:
608 (i) state military police;
609 (ii) constables;
610 (iii) port-of-entry agents as defined in Section 72-1-102 ;
611 (iv) authorized employees or agents of the Department of Transportation assigned to
612 administer and enforce the provisions of Title 72, Chapter 9, Motor Carrier Safety Act;
613 (v) school district security officers;
614 (vi) Utah State Hospital security officers designated pursuant to Section 62A-15-603 ;
615 (vii) Utah State Developmental Center security officers designated pursuant to
616 Subsection 62A-5-206 (9);
617 (viii) fire arson investigators for any political subdivision of the state;

618 (ix) ordinance enforcement officers employed by municipalities or counties may be
619 special function officers;
620 (x) employees of the Department of Natural Resources who have been designated to
621 conduct supplemental enforcement functions as a collateral duty;
622 (xi) railroad special agents deputized by a county sheriff under Section 17-30-2 or
623 17-30a-104 , or appointed pursuant to Section 56-1-21.5 ;
624 (xii) auxiliary officers, as described by Section 53-13-112 ;
625 (xiii) special agents, process servers, and investigators employed by city attorneys;
626 (xiv) criminal tax investigators designated under Section 59-1-206 ; and
627 (xv) all other persons designated by statute as having special function officer authority
628 or limited peace officer authority.
629 (2) (a) A special function officer may exercise that spectrum of peace officer authority
630 that has been designated by statute to the employing agency, and only while on duty, and not
631 for the purpose of general law enforcement.
632 (b) If the special function officer is charged with security functions respecting facilities
633 or property, the powers may be exercised only in connection with acts occurring on the
634 property where the officer is employed or when required for the protection of the employer's
635 interest, property, or employees.
636 (c) A special function officer may carry firearms only while on duty, and only if
637 authorized and under conditions specified by the officer's employer or chief administrator.
638 (3) (a) A special function officer may not exercise the authority of a peace officer until:
639 (i) the officer has satisfactorily completed an approved basic training program for
640 special function officers as provided under Subsection (4); and
641 (ii) the chief law enforcement officer or administrator has certified this fact to the
642 director of the division.
643 (b) City and county constables and their deputies shall certify their completion of
644 training to the legislative governing body of the city or county they serve.
645 (4) (a) The agency that the special function officer serves may establish and maintain a

646 basic special function course and in-service training programs as approved by the director of
647 the division with the advice and consent of the council.
648 (b) The in-service training shall consist of no fewer than 40 hours per year and may be
649 conducted by the agency's own staff or by other agencies.