Classified school and community college employees: disciplinary hearings: appeals: contracted administrative law judges.

Senator Cortese's legislation revises disciplinary procedures for classified employees in California's school and community college districts, extending the minimum time to request disciplinary hearings from 5 to 30 days after notice. The bill establishes a new appeals process allowing permanent classified employees, except peace officers, to contest disciplinary actions through administrative law judges jointly selected by districts and employee organizations.

The measure authorizes districts to suspend employee pay after 30 days from a hearing request, regardless of who conducts the proceedings. For cases involving egregious misconduct with minors, the bill requires administrative law judges to delegate authority to designated judges whose rulings become binding. These provisions extend to classified employees of joint powers authorities that include school or community college districts.

Districts and employee organizations may establish alternative appeal methods through collective bargaining agreements, provided these processes remain subject to judicial review under specified arbitration standards. The bill preserves existing collective bargaining agreements until their expiration or renewal, after which the new requirements take effect. If the Commission on State Mandates determines the changes create state-mandated costs, local agencies and school districts would receive reimbursement through established statutory procedures.