CS/SB 998 (Burgess) prohibits a municipality from terminating a police chief without providing written notice, including just cause, and give them the opportunity to defend themselves against the termination in a public hearing. The chief may be represented by counsel at the public meeting at their own cost. The bill clarifies that these provisions do not supersede any written employment contract, discipline, or termination standards or procedures.  

CS/CS/HB 935 (Jacques) is similar but narrower in scope. The bill prohibits a municipality from terminating a police chief without first providing them written notice and allowing them the opportunity to offer a response at the next regularly scheduled council meeting. The bill specifies that a municipality cannot waive or modify this requirement in a contract or include a nondisclosure clause that prohibits a police chief from responding to their termination. CS/CS/HB 935 passed the House (115-0) and is awaiting action by the Senate. (Taggart)