Brief Description: Clarifying the authority of the civil service commissions for sheriffs' offices.

Sponsors: Senator Fairley.

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections
House Committee on Local Government

Background: The civil service commission (Commission) for sheriffs' offices is a three person commission appointed by the board of county commissioners for the county within which the sheriffs' office is located. Civil service commissioners serve six-year terms. Each Commission has multiple duties and responsibilities, including the duty to:

• make suitable rules and regulations providing in detail the manner in which examinations may be held, and promotions, appointments, suspensions, and discharges must be made;
• inspect all offices, departments, places, positions, and employments under the Commission's jurisdiction;
• hear and determine appeals or complaints respecting the allocation of positions or the rejection of an examinee;
• provide for, formulate, and hold competitive tests to determine the relative qualifications of a person who seeks employment in any class or position under the Commission's jurisdiction.

The Commission must meet at least once per month. Each Commission is required to elect a chief examiner who also serves as Secretary of the Commission. The chief examiner is required to keep the records for the Commission, preserve all reports made, superintend and keep record of all examinations held under the Commission's direction, and perform such other duties as the Commission may prescribe.

Summary: The Commission for sheriffs' offices has supervisory responsibility over the chief examiner.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      48   0
House      94   0

Effective:   July 22, 2007