HB 1293 (Hugo) would make significant changes to local grievance procedures statewide. The bill would require that in the final step of all local grievance procedures, the parties must agree to either a certified hearing officer or three-member panel. This eliminates the opportunity for the jurisdiction to determine and state the final step of the process. This bill was requested by a law enforcement association and it is important to note that they already have the option for a three-member panel hearing under the Law Enforcement Officers Procedural Guarantee Act. In addition, the bill invalidates all existing grievance procedures that have previously been approved by the Department of Human Resource Management. Therefore many jurisdictions would have to completely change their current grievance process. This bill was opposed by VACo, and it was laid on the table in House Counties Cities and Towns Committee.
VACo Contact: Phyllis Errico, CAE