employee merit system; dismissal; appeal

HB 2681 amends Arizona's civil service dismissal procedures to clarify appeal rights for classified state employees. It requires written notice of dismissal/suspension with specific reasons, allows a 10-day appeal window to the commission, and mandates a hearing within 20 days. The bill specifies public hearings unless closed for cause, permits changing hearing officers due to prejudice, and states commission decisions are final. It applies to dismissals/suspensions but excludes budget-related furloughs.