Legislation & Rules Committee November 10, 2026

The City of St. Louis Legislation & Rules Committee met on November 10, 2026. Members approved the October 27 minutes and discussed Board Bills 96 and 99, part of a personnel-related legislative package; no procurement or spending activity was identified. Board Bill 96 would revise the charter’s personnel provisions, including the role of the personnel director, civil service oversight, hiring procedures, and the classification of certain department leadership positions. Sponsors said fewer than 100 positions—about 46 as currently proposed—would move from classified to unclassified service, while most of the city’s more than 4,000 employees would remain classified. They said merit-based hiring protections would remain and that an amendment excluding police and fire personnel was being developed. If approved by voters, the charter change is expected to go on the April 6 ballot, and related bills would depend on its passage.

City officials supported the proposed changes as a way to improve hiring flexibility, accountability, and service delivery. Public testimony supported retaining police and fire protections and raised concerns about promotion procedures, political influence, due process, and employee privacy. Board Bill 99 would codify a grievance process based on Administrative Regulation 51, define grievable matters, establish an employee grievance committee, and set timelines, including an employee’s right to appeal to the Civil Service Commission if the chief human resources officer misses a deadline. Labor testimony supported the bill while requesting clarification on who may file grievances; another speaker raised concerns about grievance eligibility, handling, and confidentiality. The committee held both bills for further consideration; no vote on either bill was taken.