testimony; disciplinary action; prohibition

Added a prohibition on agencies, employers, or political subdivisions taking retaliatory action against employees who provide testimony in disciplinary appeals.

Added a mandate that employers cannot obstruct or prohibit employees, including subject matter experts, from providing testimony in administrative or judicial proceedings related to the appeal.

Established that the employer bears the burden of proof in all appeals of disciplinary actions against law enforcement officers.

Created a new requirement for the hearing officer or appeals board to issue a final disposition report to the agency after an appeal concludes.

Added a provision requiring agencies to forward final disposition reports to prosecuting agencies if the investigation involved information for a rule 15.1 database.

Introduced a new process allowing officers to request a change of hearing officer within ten days of appointment, with specific rules for small jurisdictions and interagency agreements.

Added a provision awarding retroactive compensation to officers whose terminations are reversed during an appeal, subject to specific reductions for delays or alternative employment.

Clarified that hearings under this section are open to the public, with executive sessions limited only to legal advice or deliberations.

Added authority for employers to amend, modify, reject, or reverse arbitrary decisions made by hearing officers or appeals boards.

Added an exception stating that the new protections do not apply to law enforcement officers employed by state agencies as at-will employees.