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House narrows use of sworn testimony in higher-education grievance hearings
Summary
House Bill 72 was amended to limit the use of sworn testimony in higher-education grievance hearings to cases involving employee demotion or termination; the House passed the amended bill 60-12 and sent it to the Senate.
House Bill 72, addressing grievance procedures in higher education, was reconsidered and placed at the top of the third-reading calendar on Feb. 25. Representative Wheatley moved Amendment 2 to add a requirement that sworn testimony be allowed only when a grievance hearing relates to an employee demotion or termination.
Supporters, including Representatives Dee and Noel, said the change addresses previous concerns and preserves the ability to call witnesses under oath for the most serious employment actions. Critics queried the bill's interaction with general "at will" employment and whether higher-education employees have special contract protections; sponsors said the Board of Regents has regulations and grievance processes that make the amendment appropriate for the higher-education context.
The bill passed the House by a vote of 60-12 and will be transmitted to the Senate.
