Bill > HB155

This bill establishes the "Firefighters' Procedural Bill of Rights Act", which provides comprehensive protections for firefighters during workplace investigations and disciplinary proceedings. The legislation defines a firefighter broadly to include both paid and volunteer personnel and outlines specific rights such as protection from political discrimination, fair interrogation procedures, and safeguards against unjust punitive actions. Key provisions include requiring investigations to be completed within one year, mandating that interrogations occur at reasonable hours and with specific procedural safeguards, ensuring firefighters can have representation during investigations, and prohibiting coercive or threatening interrogation tactics. The bill also establishes rights related to personnel files, requiring firefighters to be notified of adverse comments and given an opportunity to respond, and protects firefighters from being compelled to take lie detector tests. Additionally, the legislation provides a mechanism for administrative appeals and allows firefighters to seek judicial remedy if their rights are violated, with potential civil penalties and attorney's fees awarded for malicious violations. The bill aims to ensure fair treatment, protect due process, and prevent arbitrary disciplinary actions against firefighters while maintaining the ability of fire departments to effectively manage their personnel.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB155&year=2025&code=R