H.B. 433

This document includes House Committee Amendments incorporated into the bill on Fri, Mar 7, 2014 at 12:24 PM by jeyring. -->              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 H. [ agency ] entity .H subject
             190a      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
             192a      H. or police interlocal entity governing body .H ,
             193      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 H. [ on or after ] before .H May 13, 2014, is considered
             201a      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      H. [ is ] may be .H 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 H. at any time before the date of the exam .H .
             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 H. [ 17-30a-402 ] 17-30a-306 .H shall
             385a      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 H. voluntarily .H reassigned, including to another
             432a      class and grade, in
             433      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 H. :
             476a          (a) .H applicable
             477      law H. [ or by ] ;
             477a          (b) .H county ordinance or regulation H. ; or
             477b          (c) police interlocal entity rule or regulation .H .
             478          Section 27. Section 17-30a-314 is enacted to read:
             479          17-30a-314. Prohibitions against political activities -- Penalties.
             480           H. [ (1) (a) As used in this Subsection (1), "person" means:
             481          (i) an employee of a department;
             482          (ii) a member of a department governing body;
             483          (iii) an appointing authority;
             484          (iv) a merit system officer; and
             485          (v) a peace officer.
             486          (b) A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if the person appoints, promotes, transfers,
             487      demotes, suspends, discharges, or changes the amount of compensation of a merit system
             488      officer.
             489          (c) A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if the person seeks, aids, abets, promises or
             490      threatens the appointment, promotion, transfer, demotion, suspension, discharge, or change in
             491      the amount of compensation as a condition or result of a merit system officer giving,
             492      withholding, or neglecting to make a contribution to or provide service for a political purpose.


             493          (d) Except as provided in Subsection (2), a person is guilty of a misdemeanor if the
             494      person solicits, directly or indirectly, a contribution or service for a political purpose from a
             495      merit system officer.
]

             495a          (1)(a) An officer, employee, or member of a governing body of a county or a police
             495b      interlocal entity, whether elected or appointed, may not directly or indirectly coerce,
             495c      command, or advise a merit system officer to pay, lend, or contribute part of the officer's
             495d      salary or compensation or anything else of value to a party, committee, organization, agency,
             495e      or person for political purpose.
             495f          (b) A county or police interlocal entity officer, employee, or member of a governing
             495g      body, whether elected or appointed, may not make or attempt to make a merit system officer's
             495h      personnel status dependent upon the officer's support or lack of support for a political party,
             495i      committee, organization, agency, or person engaged in a political activity. .H
             496          (2) Subsection (1) H. [ (d) ] .H does not apply to political speeches or use of mass
             497      communications media for political purposes by a person where a merit system officer is
             498      present, unless the purpose and intent of the speaker is to violate this section with direct respect
             499      to those merit system officers.
             500          (3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a merit system officer may not engage
             501      in a political activity or solicit political contributions from merit system officers during the
             502      hours of employment, or use employer resources at any time for political purposes.
             503          (b) Subsection (3)(a) does not preclude a voluntary contribution by a merit system
             504      officer to the party or candidate of the officer's choice.
             505          Section 28. Section 17-30a-401 is enacted to read:
             506     
Part 4. Disciplinary Actions and Appeals

             507          17-30a-401. Title.
             508          This part is known as "Disciplinary Actions and Appeals."
             509          Section 29. Section 17-30a-402 is enacted to read:
             510          17-30a-402. Disciplinary charges -- Grounds -- Process.
             511          (1) An appointing authority may demote, suspend, discharge, or reduce a merit system
             512      officer's pay for:
             513          (a) neglect of duty;
             514          (b) disobedience of a reasonable order;
             515          (c) misconduct;
             516          (d) inefficiency or inability to satisfactorily perform assigned duties; or
             517          (e) an act inimical to public service.


             518          (2) A department may not suspend a merit system officer for more than 176 work hours
             519      at one time or for more than 352 work hours in one year.
             520          (3) The appointing authority shall order the demotion, reduction in pay, suspension, or
             521      discharge of a merit system officer.
             522          Section 30. Section 17-30a-403 is enacted to read:
             523          17-30a-403. Disciplinary charges -- Appeal to commission -- Hearing -- Findings.


             524          (1) The appointing authority:
             525          (a) may impose disciplinary charges in accordance with a rule, policy, ordinance, or
             526      law; and
             527          (b) shall serve the merit system officer to be disciplined with a copy of the written
             528      charges.
             529          (2) (a) A disciplined merit system officer may file an appeal of the disciplinary charges
             530      with the department, which shall conduct the appeal internally.
             531          (b) The department shall conduct an appeal in accordance with rules or policies
             532      adopted by the appointing authority.
             533          (3) If the disciplinary charges are sustained on internal appeal, the merit system officer
             534      may appeal to the commission in accordance with the provisions of this section and
             535      commission rule.
             536          (4) (a) A merit system officer disciplined in accordance with Subsection (1) may,
             537      within 10 calendar days after the internal department appeal decision described in Subsection
             538      (2), make an appeal in writing to the commission.
             539          (b) If the merit system officer fails to make an internal appeal of the disciplinary action,
             540      the officer may not appeal to the commission.
             541          (5) The commission may hear appeals regarding demotion, reduction in pay,
             542      suspension, or discharge of a merit system officer for any cause provided in Section
             543      H. [ 17-30a-313 ] 17-30a-402 .H .
             544          (6) In the absence of an appeal, a copy of the charges under Subsection (1) may not be
             545      made public without the consent of the officer charged.
             546          (7) (a) The commission shall:
             547          (i) fix a time and place for a hearing on the appeal; and
             548          (ii) give notice of the hearing to the parties.
             549          (b) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (7)(b)(ii), the commission shall hold a hearing
             550      under this Subsection (7) no less than 10 and no more than 90 days after an appeal is filed.
             551          (ii) The commission may hold a hearing more than 90 days after an appeal is filed if:
             552          (A) the parties agree; or
             553          (B) the commission finds that the delay is for good cause.
             554          (8) (a) The commission shall hold the hearing in accordance with Title 52, Chapter 4,


             555      Open and Public Meetings Act.
             556          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (8)(a), if the commission proposes to and is authorized
             557      to close the hearing to the public in accordance with Title 52, Chapter 4, Open and Public
             558      Meetings Act, the commission shall open the meeting to the public if the aggrieved officer
             559      requests that the commission open the hearing.
             560          (9) The parties may be represented by counsel at the hearing.
             561          (10) The commission, on its own motion or at the request of the appointing authority,
             562      may dismiss an appeal for unjustified delay, removal to a court or other venue, or for other
             563      good cause shown.
             564          (11) In resolving an appeal, the commission may sustain H. [ or ] , modify, or .H vacate
             564a      a decision of the
             565      appointing authority.
             566          (12) After the hearing, the commission shall publish a written decision, including
             567      findings of fact and conclusions of law, and shall notify each party.
             568          Section 31. Section 17-30a-404 is enacted to read:
             569          17-30a-404. Appeal to H. [ district court ] Court of Appeals .H -- Scope of review.
             570           H. [ (1) A party may appeal to the district court the commission's final decision regarding
             571      disciplinary charges under Section 17-30a-403 .
             572          (2) (a) The court:
             573          (i) shall conduct its review on the record of the hearing held by the commission; and
             574          (ii) may affirm or overturn the ruling.
             575          (b) The district court shall overturn the commission only if the commission's decision
             576      is arbitrary or capricious.
             577          (3) An appeal to the district court shall be made within 30 days after the commission's
             578      written decision.
]

             578a          (1) A person may appeal a final action or order of the commission to the Court of
             578b      Appeals for review.
             578c          (2) A person shall file a notice of appeal within 30 days of the issuance of the final
             578d      action or order of the commission.
             578e          (3) The Court of Appeals shall base its review on the record of the commission and for
             578f      the purpose of determining if the commission has abused its discretion or exceeded its
             578g      authority. .H
             579          Section 32. Section 17-30a-501 is enacted to read:
             580     
Part 5. Miscellaneous Provisions

             581          17-30a-501. Title.
             582          This part is known as "Miscellaneous Provisions."
             583          Section 33. Section 17-30a-502 is enacted to read:
             584          17-30a-502. More than one chief deputy in larger county departments.
             585          The sheriff, with the consent of the commission and the county legislative body, may


             586      appoint more than one chief deputy, deputy chief, or undersheriff.
             587          Section 34. Section 17-33-1 is amended to read:
             588           17-33-1. Title -- Establishment of merit system -- Separate systems for peace
             589      officers and firemen recognized -- Options of small counties.
             590          (1) This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "County Personnel
             591      Management Act."
             592          (2) A merit system of personnel administration for the counties of the state of Utah,
             593      their departments, offices, and agencies, except as otherwise specifically provided, is
             594      established.
             595          (3) This chapter recognizes the existence of the merit systems for peace officers of the
             596      several counties as provided for in Chapter 30, Deputy Sheriffs - Merit System, and Chapter
             597      30a, Peace Officer Merit System in Counties of the First Class Act, and for firemen of the
             598      several counties as provided for in Chapter 28, Firemen's Civil Service Commission, and is
             599      intended to give county commissions the option of using the provisions of this chapter as a
             600      single merit system for all county employees or in combination with these existing systems for
             601      firemen and peace officers.
             602          (4) On or after May 6, 2002, any county that has fewer than 200 employees not covered
             603      by other merit systems or not exempt under Subsections 17-33-8 (1)(b)(i) through (vii) may, at
             604      its option, comply with the provisions of this chapter.
             605          (5) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection (4), any county which was in
             606      compliance with the provisions of this chapter prior to May 6, 2002, shall continue to comply
             607      with the provisions of this chapter even though the county may not thereafter meet or exceed
             608      the threshold requirements of Subsection (4).
             609          Section 35. Section 53-13-105 is amended to read:
             610           53-13-105. Special function officer.
             611          (1) (a) "Special function officer" means a sworn and certified peace officer performing
             612      specialized investigations, service of legal process, security functions, or specialized ordinance,
             613      rule, or regulatory functions.
             614          (b) "Special function officer" includes:
             615          (i) state military police;
             616          (ii) constables;


             617          (iii) port-of-entry agents as defined in Section 72-1-102 ;
             618          (iv) authorized employees or agents of the Department of Transportation assigned to
             619      administer and enforce the provisions of Title 72, Chapter 9, Motor Carrier Safety Act;
             620          (v) school district security officers;
             621          (vi) Utah State Hospital security officers designated pursuant to Section 62A-15-603 ;
             622          (vii) Utah State Developmental Center security officers designated pursuant to
             623      Subsection 62A-5-206 (9);
             624          (viii) fire arson investigators for any political subdivision of the state;
             625          (ix) ordinance enforcement officers employed by municipalities or counties may be
             626      special function officers;
             627          (x) employees of the Department of Natural Resources who have been designated to
             628      conduct supplemental enforcement functions as a collateral duty;
             629          (xi) railroad special agents deputized by a county sheriff under Section 17-30-2 or
             630      17-30a-104 , or appointed pursuant to Section 56-1-21.5 ;
             631          (xii) auxiliary officers, as described by Section 53-13-112 ;
             632          (xiii) special agents, process servers, and investigators employed by city attorneys;
             633          (xiv) criminal tax investigators designated under Section 59-1-206 ; and
             634          (xv) all other persons designated by statute as having special function officer authority
             635      or limited peace officer authority.
             636          (2) (a) A special function officer may exercise that spectrum of peace officer authority
             637      that has been designated by statute to the employing agency, and only while on duty, and not
             638      for the purpose of general law enforcement.
             639          (b) If the special function officer is charged with security functions respecting facilities
             640      or property, the powers may be exercised only in connection with acts occurring on the
             641      property where the officer is employed or when required for the protection of the employer's
             642      interest, property, or employees.
             643          (c) A special function officer may carry firearms only while on duty, and only if
             644      authorized and under conditions specified by the officer's employer or chief administrator.
             645          (3) (a) A special function officer may not exercise the authority of a peace officer until:
             646          (i) the officer has satisfactorily completed an approved basic training program for
             647      special function officers as provided under Subsection (4); and


             648          (ii) the chief law enforcement officer or administrator has certified this fact to the
             649      director of the division.
             650          (b) City and county constables and their deputies shall certify their completion of
             651      training to the legislative governing body of the city or county they serve.
             652          (4) (a) The agency that the special function officer serves may establish and maintain a
             653      basic special function course and in-service training programs as approved by the director of
             654      the division with the advice and consent of the council.
             655          (b) The in-service training shall consist of no fewer than 40 hours per year and may be
             656      conducted by the agency's own staff or by other agencies.




Legislative Review Note
    as of 2-26-14 3:37 PM


Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


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