e-Bulletin: The Firefighters Procedural Bill of Rights Act Becomes Effective on January 1, 2008

On October 13, 2007, the Governor approved the Firefighters Procedural Bill of Rights Act (FBR), which is effective on January 1, 2008.  The FBR, which is similar to the existing Peace Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act, will fundamentally change the disciplinary process for California fire agencies, including the conducting of investigations of employee misconduct.  The FBR includes, among other topics, provisions pertaining to:

• The interrogation of employees;
• Investigation procedures, including a statute of limitations;
• The imposition of discipline (“punitive action”) and associated timeframes;
• Administrative appeals of discipline;
• Personnel file entries; and
• Workplace searches.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the FBR can have negative consequences including statutory civil fines, damages, and attorneys fees. 

In order to help fire agencies understand and navigate this new law, Best Best & Krieger LLP (BB&K) will be conducting several regional workshops, as well as on-site training as requested.  As the largest public sector law firm in California, with over 190 attorneys in 8 offices throughout the State, BB&K Labor & Employment Law attorneys are uniquely qualified to provide training on the FBR.

CLICK HERE for dates and locations for BB&K’s low cost and comprehensive 3-hour workshops on this new FBR law.  For more information regarding on-site training workshops conducted at your agency, please contact Kathleen McNeill at Kathleen.McNeill@bbklaw.com . 

Disclaimer: BB&K eBulletins are not intended as legal advice. Additional facts or future developments may affect subjects contained herein. Seek the advice of an attorney before acting or relying upon any information in this communiqué. ©2007 Best Best & Krieger LLP