title: RCW 41.06.476

text:
(1) The office of financial management shall amend any existing rules established under RCW 41.06.475 and adopt rules developed in cooperation and agreement with the department of social and health services to implement the provisions of chapter 296, Laws of 2001.
(2) The legislature's delegation of authority to the agency under chapter 296, Laws of 2001 is strictly limited to:
(a) The minimum delegation necessary to administer the clear and unambiguous directives of chapter 296, Laws of 2001; and
(b) The administration of circumstances and behaviors foreseeable at *the time of enactment.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 426; 2001 c 296 s 6.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: 2001 c 296 attained final passage by the legislature on April 20, 2001, was signed by the governor and filed with the secretary of state on May 14, 2001, and took effect July 22, 2001.
Effective date—Purpose—2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.
Intent—2001 c 296: See note following RCW 9.96A.060.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 41.06.490

text:
In addition to the rules adopted under RCW 41.06.150, the director shall adopt rules establishing a state employee return-to-work program. The program shall, at a minimum:
(1) Direct each agency to adopt a return-to-work policy. The program shall allow each agency program to take into consideration the special nature of employment in the agency;
(2) Provide for eligibility in the return-to-work program, for a minimum of two years from the date the temporary disability commenced, for any permanent employee who is receiving compensation under RCW 51.32.090 and who is, by reason of his or her temporary disability, unable to return to his or her previous work, but who is physically capable of carrying out work of a lighter or modified nature;
(3) Require each agency to name an agency representative responsible for coordinating the return-to-work program of the agency;
(4) Provide that applicants receiving appointments for classified service receive an explanation of the return-to-work policy;
(5) Require training of supervisors on implementation of the return-to-work policy, including but not limited to assessment of the appropriateness of the return-to-work job for the employee; and
(6) Coordinate participation of applicable employee assistance programs, as appropriate.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 427; 2002 c 354 s 223; 1990 c 204 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—Purpose—2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.
Short title—Headings, captions not law—Severability—Effective dates—2002 c 354: See RCW 41.80.907 through 41.80.910.
Findings—Purpose—1990 c 204: See note following RCW 51.44.170.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: State employee return-to-work program.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 41.06.500

text:
(1) Except as provided in RCW 41.06.070 and subject to RCW 41.04.820, notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the director is authorized to adopt, after consultation with state agencies and employee organizations, rules for managers as defined in RCW 41.06.022. These rules shall not apply to managers employed by institutions of higher education or related boards or whose positions are exempt. The rules shall govern recruitment, appointment, classification and allocation of positions, examination, training and career development, hours of work, probation, certification, compensation, transfer, affirmative action, promotion, layoff, reemployment, performance appraisals, discipline, and any and all other personnel practices for managers. These rules shall be separate from rules adopted for other employees, and to the extent that the rules adopted under this section apply only to managers shall take precedence over rules adopted for other employees, and are not subject to review by the board.
(2) In establishing rules for managers, the director shall adhere to the following goals:
(a) Development of a simplified classification system that facilitates movement of managers between agencies and promotes upward mobility;
(b) Creation of a compensation system that provides flexibility in setting and changing salaries, and shall require review and approval by the director in the case of any salary changes greater than five percent proposed for any group of employees;
(c) Establishment of a performance appraisal system that emphasizes individual accountability for program results and efficient management of resources; effective planning, organization, and communication skills; valuing and managing workplace diversity; development of leadership and interpersonal abilities; and employee development;
(d) Strengthening management training and career development programs that build critical management knowledge, skills, and abilities; focusing on managing and valuing workplace diversity; empowering employees by enabling them to share in workplace decision making and to be innovative, willing to take risks, and able to accept and deal with change; promoting a workplace where the overall focus is on the recipient of the government services and how these services can be improved; and enhancing mobility and career advancement opportunities;
(e) Permitting flexible recruitment and hiring procedures that enable agencies to compete effectively with other employers, both public and private, for managers with appropriate skills and training; allowing consideration of all qualified candidates for positions as managers; and achieving affirmative action goals and diversity in the workplace;
(f) Providing that managers may only be reduced, dismissed, suspended, or demoted for cause; and
(g) Facilitating decentralized and regional administration.
(3) From February 18, 2009, through June 30, 2013, a salary or wage increase shall not be granted to any position under this section, except that increases may be granted for positions for which the employer has demonstrated difficulty retaining qualified employees if the following conditions are met:
(a) The salary increase can be paid within existing resources;
(b) The salary increase will not adversely impact the provision of client services; and
(c) For any state agency of the executive branch, not including institutions of higher education, the salary increase is approved by the director of the office of financial management.
Any agency granting a salary increase from February 15, 2010, through June 30, 2011, to a position under this section shall submit a report to the fiscal committees of the legislature no later than July 31, 2011, detailing the positions for which salary increases were granted, the size of the increases, and the reasons for giving the increases.
Any agency granting a salary increase from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2013, to a position under this section shall submit a report to the fiscal committees of the legislature by July 31, 2012, and July 31, 2013, detailing the positions for which salary increases were granted during the preceding fiscal year, the size of the increases, and the reasons for giving the increases.
(4) From February 15, 2010, until June 30, 2013, no monetary performance-based awards or growth and development progression adjustments may be granted by the director or employers to the Washington management service employees covered by the rules adopted under this section. This subsection does not prohibit the payment of awards provided for in chapter 41.60 RCW.
From July 1, 2011, until June 30, 2013, no performance-based awards or incentives may be granted by the director or employers to employees pursuant to a performance management confirmation granted by the department of personnel under WAC 357-37-055.
From July 1, 2011, through June 29, 2013, salaries for all positions under this section are subject to RCW 41.04.820.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 39 s 6. Prior: 2010 c 2 s 4; 2010 c 1 s 3; 2009 c 5 s 3; 2002 c 354 s 243; 2002 c 354 s 242; 1996 c 319 s 4; 1993 c 281 s 9.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 39: See note following RCW 41.04.820.
Findings—Effective date—2010 c 2: See notes following RCW 41.06.070.
Effective date—2010 c 1: See note following RCW 41.06.070.
Effective date—2009 c 5: See note following RCW 41.06.070.
Short title—Headings, captions not law—Severability—Effective dates—2002 c 354: See RCW 41.80.907 through 41.80.910.
Effective date—1993 c 281: See note following RCW 41.06.022.

catchline: Managers—Rules—Goals.


title: RCW 41.06.510

text:
Each institution of higher education and each related board shall designate an officer who shall perform duties as personnel officer. The personnel officer at each institution or related board shall direct, supervise, and manage administrative and technical personnel activities for the classified service at the institution or related board consistent with policies established by the institution or related board and in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter. Institutions may undertake jointly with one or more other institutions to appoint a person qualified to perform the duties of personnel officer, provide staff and financial support and may engage consultants to assist in the performance of specific projects. The services of the department of enterprise services and the office of financial management may also be used by the institutions or related boards pursuant to RCW 41.06.080.
The state board for community and technical colleges shall have general supervision and control over activities undertaken by the various community colleges pursuant to this section.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 428; 1993 c 281 s 10.]
Notes:
Effective date—Purpose—2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.
Effective date—1993 c 281: See note following RCW 41.06.022.

catchline: Institutions of higher education—Designation of personnel officer.


title: RCW 41.06.530

text:
(1) The legislature recognizes that:
(a) The labor market and the state government workforce are diverse in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, age, and the presence of disabilities.
(b) The state's personnel resource and management practices must be responsive to the diverse nature of its workforce composition.
(c) Managers in all agencies play a key role in the implementation of all critical personnel policies.
It is therefore the policy of the state to create an organizational culture in state government that respects and values individual differences and encourages the productive potential of every employee.
(2) To implement this policy:
(a) The office of financial management shall, in consultation with agencies, employee organizations, employees, institutions of higher education, and related boards, review civil service rules and related policies to ensure that they support the state's policy of valuing and managing diversity in the workplace; and
(b) The department of enterprise services, in consultation with agencies, employee organizations, and employees, institutions of higher education, and related boards, develop training programs for all managers to enhance their ability to implement diversity policies and to provide a thorough grounding in all aspects of the state civil service law and merit system rules, and how the proper implementation and application thereof can facilitate and further the mission of the agency.
(3) The department of enterprise services and the office of financial management shall coordinate implementation of this section with the institutions of higher education and related boards to reduce duplication of effort.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 429; 1993 c 281 s 12.]
Notes:
Effective date—Purpose—2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.
Effective date—1993 c 281: See note following RCW 41.06.022.

catchline: Personnel resource and management policy—Implementation.


title: RCW 41.06.540

text:
Meaningful and effective involvement of employees and their representatives is essential to the efficient and effective delivery of state government services. To accomplish this, agencies shall use joint employee-management committees to collaborate on the desired goals of streamlined organizational structures, continuous improvement in all systems and processes, empowerment of line level employees to solve workplace and system delivery problems, managers functioning as coaches and facilitators, and employee training and development as an investment in the future. If employees are represented by an exclusive bargaining representative, the representative shall select the employee committee members and also be on the committee. In addition, the committees shall be used for improvement of the quality of work life for state employees resulting in more productive and efficient service delivery to the general public and customers of state government. Nothing in this section supplants any collective bargaining process or provision.
[ 1993 c 281 s 13.]
Notes:
Effective date—1993 c 281: See note following RCW 41.06.022.

catchline: Joint employee-management committees.


title: RCW 41.06.550

text:
An agency must allow an employee who is a volunteer firefighter to respond, without pay, to a fire, natural disaster, or medical emergency when called to duty. The agency may choose to grant leave with pay.
[ 2007 c 112 s 1.]

catchline: Volunteer firefighters—Call to duty.


title: RCW 41.06.560

text:
From February 15, 2010, until June 30, 2013, no monetary performance-based awards or incentives may be granted by the director or employers to employees covered by rules adopted under this section. This section does not prohibit the payment of awards provided for in chapter 41.60 RCW. For institutions of higher education, this section does not prohibit the payment of specific cash awards from private donations from individuals or businesses including, but not limited to, endowments.
From July 1, 2011, until June 30, 2013, no performance-based awards or incentives may be granted by the director or employers to employees pursuant to a performance management confirmation granted by the department of personnel under WAC 357-37-055.
[ 2012 2nd sp.s. c 7 s 916; 2011 1st sp.s. c 39 s 11; 2010 c 2 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—2012 2nd sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 2.68.020.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 39: See note following RCW 41.04.820.
Findings—Effective date—2010 c 2: See notes following RCW 41.06.070.

catchline: Monetary performance-based awards or incentives—Restrictions.


title: RCW 41.06.570

text:
(1) All executive agencies shall allow employees to take paid leave, not to exceed thirty days in a two-year period, as needed to participate in life-giving procedures. Such leave shall not be charged against sick leave or annual leave, and use of leave without pay is not required.
(2) Agencies may take into account program implementation and staffing replacement requirements in the scheduling of such leave time. Employees may be required to provide reasonable advance notice of a desire to take paid leave time under this section.
(3) When planning for and granting paid leave under this section, agencies shall take into account provisions of collective bargaining agreements that cover leave usage. Any additional leave time needed for life-giving procedures is subject to each agency's leave policies and collective bargaining agreements.
(4) Employees must provide written proof from an accredited medical institution, physician, or other medical professional that the employee participated in a life-giving procedure.
(5) This section does not create any entitlement or other right that may be converted to cash, other compensation, or any other benefit. It is intended only to encourage altruistic life-giving procedures, and to allow paid leave to participate in such procedures.
(6) Agencies may continue or implement any informal, flextime, ad hoc, or other leave.
(7) For purposes of this section, "life-giving procedure" means a medically supervised procedure involving the testing, sampling, or donation of organs, tissues, and other human body components for the purposes of donation, without compensation, to a person or organization for medically necessary treatments. "Life-giving procedure" does not include the donation of blood or plasma.
[ 2020 c 305 s 1.]

catchline: Executive agencies—Paid leave for life-giving procedures—Limitations—Intent—Definition.


title: RCW 41.06.580

text:
In addition to the exemptions provided under RCW 41.06.070, the provisions of this chapter do not apply to the following positions at the energy facility site evaluation council: The director; the personal secretary to the director and the council chair; and up to two professional staff members.
[ 2022 c 183 s 14.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 183: See note following RCW 80.50.010.

catchline: Energy facility site evaluation council—Certain personnel exempted from chapter.


title: RCW 41.06.900

text:
This chapter shall be referred to as the state civil service law.
[ 1961 c 1 s 34 (Initiative Measure No. 207, approved November 8, 1960).]

catchline: Short title.


title: RCW 41.06.912

text:
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 s 86.]

catchline: Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.


title: RCW 41.07.010

text:
(1) As used in this chapter "state agency" means all offices, departments, agencies, institutions, boards, and commissions of state government including those headed by an elected official and including institutions of higher education.
(2) As used in this chapter "central personnel-payroll system" means an automated data processing system capable of keeping records and processing necessary transactions in the process of employing persons, changing their employment status, and paying employees of any or all state agencies. Such system shall include production of reports and documents required or authorized by state or federal agencies.
[ 1975 1st ex.s. c 239 s 1.]

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 41.07.020

text:
The office of financial management is authorized to administer, maintain, and operate the central personnel-payroll system and to provide its services for any state agency designated by the director of financial management.
State agencies shall convert personnel and payroll processing to the central personnel-payroll system as soon as administratively and technically feasible as determined by the office of financial management and Washington technology solutions. It is the intent of the legislature to provide, through the central personnel-payroll system, for uniform reporting to the office of financial management and to the legislature regarding salaries and related costs, and to reduce present costs of manual procedures in personnel and payroll recordkeeping and reporting.
[ 2024 c 54 s 38; 2019 c 146 s 1; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 1 s 107; 2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 441; 1979 c 151 s 62; 1975 1st ex.s. c 239 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2015 3rd sp.s. c 1 ss 101-109, 201-224, 406-408, 410, 501-507, 601, and 602: See note following RCW 43.105.007.
Effective date—Purpose—2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.

catchline: Administration, maintenance, and operation of system—Intent.


title: RCW 41.07.030

text:
The costs of administering, maintaining, and operating the central personnel-payroll system shall be distributed to the using state agencies. In order to insure proper and equitable distribution of costs the office of financial management shall utilize cost accounting procedures to identify all costs incurred in the administration, maintenance, and operation of the central personnel-payroll system. In order to facilitate proper and equitable distribution of costs to the using state agencies the office of financial management is authorized to utilize the statewide information technology system maintenance and operations revolving account created by RCW 43.41.442.
[ 2019 c 146 s 2. Prior: 2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 611; 2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 442; 1975 1st ex.s. c 239 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—Purpose—2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.

catchline: Costs.


title: RCW 41.07.901

text:
This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1975.
[ 1975 1st ex.s. c 239 s 6.]

catchline: Effective date—1975 1st ex.s. c 239.


title: RCW 41.08.010

text:
The provisions of this chapter shall have no application to cities and towns which at the present time have provided for civil service in the fire department or which shall subsequently provide for civil service in the fire department by local charter or other regulations which said local charter or regulations substantially accomplish the purpose of this chapter.
[ 1935 c 31 s 1; RRS s 9558-1.]

catchline: Application of chapter.


title: RCW 41.08.020

text:
If any of the cities or towns referred to in RCW 41.08.010 shall at any time repeal the charter provisions or other local acts of said cities or towns providing for civil service for firefighters as referred to in RCW 41.08.010, in that event this chapter shall apply to all of such cities and towns which have at any time abolished civil service for members of the fire department.
[ 2007 c 218 s 2; 1935 c 31 s 2; RRS s 9558-2.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: "It is the intent of the legislature to make technical changes throughout chapters 41.08, 41.12, 41.16, and 41.18 RCW with regard to gender-specific terminology. The legislature finds that gender-neutral terms must be used in accordance with RCW 44.04.210. This act is technical in nature and no substantive legal changes are intended or implied." [ 2007 c 218 s 1.]

catchline: Excluded cities—Repeal of local law—Effect.


title: RCW 41.08.030

text:
There is hereby created in every city, town or municipality except those referred to in RCW 41.08.010, having a full paid fire department a civil service commission which shall be composed of three persons.
The members of such commission shall be appointed by the person or group of persons who, acting singly or in conjunction, as a mayor, city manager, council, common council, commission, or otherwise, is or are vested by law with power and authority to select, appoint, or employ the chief of a fire department in any such city, prior to the enactment of this chapter. The members of such commission shall serve without compensation. No person shall be appointed a member of such commission who is not a citizen of the United States, a resident of such city for at least three years immediately preceding such appointment, and an elector of the county wherein he or she resides. The term of office of such commissioners shall be for six years, except that the first three members of such commission shall be appointed for different terms, as follows: One to serve for a period of two years, one to serve for a period of four years, and one to serve for a period of six years. Any member of such commission may be removed from office for incompetency, incompatibility or dereliction of duty, or malfeasance in office, or other good cause: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That no member of the commission shall be removed until charges have been preferred, in writing, due notice and a full hearing had. The members of such commission shall devote due time and attention to the performance of the duties hereinafter specified and imposed upon them by this chapter. Two members of such commission shall constitute a quorum and the votes of any two members of such commission concurring shall be sufficient for the decision of all matters and the transaction of all business to be decided or transacted by the commission under or by virtue of the provisions of this chapter. Confirmation of said appointment or appointments of commissioners by any legislative body shall not be required. At the time of any appointment not more than two commissioners shall be adherents of the same political party.
[ 2007 c 218 s 3; 1935 c 31 s 3; RRS s 9558-3.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Civil service commission created—Appointment—Terms—Removal—Quorum.


title: RCW 41.08.040

text:
Immediately after appointment the commission shall organize by electing one of its members chair and hold regular meetings at least once a month, and such additional meetings as may be required for the proper discharge of their duties.
They shall appoint a secretary and chief examiner, who shall keep the records of the commission, preserve all reports made to it, superintend and keep a record of all examinations held under its direction, and perform such other duties as the commission may prescribe.
The secretary and chief examiner shall be appointed as a result of competitive examination which examination may be either original and open to all properly qualified citizens of the city, town or municipality, or promotional and limited to persons already in the service of the fire department or of the fire department and other departments of said city, town or municipality, as the commission may decide. The secretary and chief examiner may be subject to suspension, reduction or discharge in the same manner and subject to the same limitations as are provided in the case of members of the fire department. It shall be the duty of the civil service commission:
(1) To make suitable rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter. Such rules and regulations shall provide in detail the manner in which examinations may be held, and appointments, promotions, transfers, reinstatements, demotions, suspensions and discharges shall be made, and may also provide for any other matters connected with the general subject of personnel administration, and which may be considered desirable to further carry out the general purposes of this chapter, or which may be found to be in the interest of good personnel administration. Such rules and regulations may be changed from time to time. The rules and regulations and any amendments thereof shall be printed, mimeographed or multigraphed for free public distribution. Such rules and regulations may be changed from time to time.
(2) All tests shall be practical, and shall consist only of subjects which will fairly determine the capacity of persons examined to perform duties of the position to which appointment is to be made, and may include tests of physical fitness and/or of manual skill.
(3) The rules and regulations adopted by the commission shall provide for a credit in accordance with RCW 41.04.010 in favor of all applicants for appointment under civil service, who, in time of war, or in any expedition of the armed forces of the United States, have served in and been discharged from the armed forces of the United States, including the army, navy, and marine corps and the American Red Cross, with a qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005. These credits apply to entrance examinations only.
(4) The commission shall make investigations concerning and report upon all matters touching the enforcement and effect of the provisions of this chapter, and the rules and regulations prescribed hereunder; inspect all institutions, departments, offices, places, positions and employments affected by this chapter, and ascertain whether this chapter and all such rules and regulations are being obeyed. Such investigations may be made by the commission or by any commissioner designated by the commission for that purpose. Not only must these investigations be made by the commission as aforesaid, but the commission must make like investigation on petition of a citizen, duly verified, stating that irregularities or abuses exist, or setting forth in concise language, in writing, the necessity for such investigation. In the course of such investigation the commission or designated commissioner, or chief examiner, shall have the power to administer oaths, subpoena and require the attendance of witnesses and the production by them of books, papers, documents and accounts appertaining to the investigation and also to cause the deposition of witnesses residing within or without the state to be taken in the manner prescribed by law for like depositions in civil actions in the superior court; and the oaths administered hereunder and the subpoenas issued hereunder shall have the same force and effect as the oaths administered by a superior court judge in his or her judicial capacity; and the failure upon the part of any person so subpoenaed to comply with the provisions of this section shall be deemed a violation of this chapter, and punishable as such.
(5) All hearings and investigations before the commission, or designated commissioner, or chief examiner, shall be governed by this chapter and by rules of practice and procedure to be adopted by the commission, and in the conduct thereof neither the commission, nor designated commissioner shall be bound by the technical rules of evidence. No informality in any proceedings or hearing, or in the manner of taking testimony before the commission or designated commissioner, shall invalidate any order, decision, rule or regulation made, approved or confirmed by the commission: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That no order, decision, rule or regulation made by any designated commissioner conducting any hearing or investigation alone shall be of any force or effect whatsoever unless and until concurred in by at least one of the other two members.
(6) To hear and determine appeals or complaints respecting the administrative work of the personnel department; appeals upon the allocation of positions; the rejection of an examination, and such other matters as may be referred to the commission.
(7) Establish and maintain in card or other suitable form a roster of officers and employees.
(8) Provide for, formulate and hold competitive tests to determine the relative qualifications of persons who seek employment in any class or position and as a result thereof establish eligible lists for the various classes of positions, and to provide that persons laid off because of curtailment of expenditures, reduction in force, and for like causes, head the list in the order of their seniority, to the end that they shall be the first to be reemployed.
(9) When a vacant position is to be filled, to certify to the appointing authority, on written request, the name of the person highest on the eligible list for the class. If there are no such lists, to authorize provisional or temporary appointment list of such class. Such temporary or provisional appointment shall not continue for a period longer than four months; nor shall any person receive more than one provisional appointment or serve more than four months as a provisional appointee in any one fiscal year.
(10) Keep such records as may be necessary for the proper administration of this chapter.
[ 2024 c 146 s 16; 1993 c 47 s 4; 1973 1st ex.s. c 154 s 60; 1935 c 31 s 5; RRS s 9558-5.]
Notes:
Intent—2024 c 146: See note following RCW 73.04.005.
Severability—1973 1st ex.s. c 154: See note following RCW 2.12.030.
Preferred rights in employment, examinations, appointments, etc., limited to actual members of armed forces: RCW 73.04.090.
Veterans' and uniformed service members' scoring criteria status in examinations: RCW 41.04.010.

catchline: Organization of commission—Secretary—Powers and duties of commission.


title: RCW 41.08.050

text:
The classified civil service and provisions of this chapter shall include all full paid employees of the fire department of each city, town or municipality coming within its purview, except that individuals appointed as fire chief after July 1, 1987, may be excluded by the legislative body of the city, town, or municipality. All appointments to and promotions in said department shall be made solely on merit, efficiency and fitness, which shall be ascertained by open competitive examination and impartial investigation. No person shall be reinstated in, or transferred, suspended or discharged from any such place, position or employment contrary to the provisions of this chapter.
[ 1987 c 339 s 1; 1935 c 31 s 4; RRS s 9558-4.]
Notes:
Severability—Effective date—1987 c 339: See notes following RCW 35.21.333.

catchline: Persons included—Competitive examinations—Transfers, discharges, and reinstatements.


title: RCW 41.08.060

text:
For the benefit of the public service and to prevent delay, injury, or interruption therein by reason of the enactment of this chapter, all persons holding a position in the fire department of any such city, including the chief thereof, when this chapter takes effect, who shall have served in such position for a period of at least six months last past continuously, are hereby declared eligible for permanent appointment under civil service to the offices, places, positions or employments which they shall then hold, respectively, without examination or other act on their part, and not on probation; and every such person is hereby automatically adopted and inducted permanently into civil service, into such office, place, position or employment which such person then holds as completely and effectually to all intents and purposes as if such person had been permanently appointed thereto under civil service after examination and investigation.
[ 1935 c 31 s 6; RRS s 9558-6.]

catchline: Existing firefighters blanketed under civil service.


title: RCW 41.08.070

text:
An applicant for a position of any kind under civil service under the provisions of this chapter, must be a citizen of the United States of America, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient. An applicant for a position of any kind under civil service under the provisions of this chapter must be able to speak, read, and write the English language.
An applicant for a position of any kind under civil service must be of an age suitable for the position applied for, in ordinary good health, of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits; these facts to be ascertained in such manner as the commission may deem advisable.
[ 2024 c 330 s 5; 2018 c 32 s 1; 1972 ex.s. c 37 s 2; 1963 c 95 s 1; 1935 c 31 s 7; RRS s 9558-7.]
Notes:
Purpose—1972 ex.s. c 37: "It is the purpose of this 1972 amendatory act to increase the availability of qualified applicants for employment in positions of public safety in municipal government; namely, firemen and policemen; and to eliminate present inequities that result from the application of residency requirements under existing statutes pertaining to such employment." [ 1972 ex.s. c 37 s 1.]

catchline: Qualifications of applicants.


title: RCW 41.08.075

text:
No city, town, or municipality shall require any person applying for or holding an office, place, position, or employment under the provisions of this chapter or under any local charter or other regulations described in RCW 41.08.010 to reside within the limits of such municipal corporation as a condition of employment, or to discriminate in any manner against any such person because of his or her residence outside of the limits of such city, town, or municipality.
[ 2007 c 218 s 4; 1972 ex.s. c 37 s 4.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.
Purpose—1972 ex.s. c 37: See note following RCW 41.08.070.

catchline: Residency as condition of employment—Discrimination because of lack of residency—Prohibited.


title: RCW 41.08.080

text:
The tenure of every one holding an office, place, position or employment under the provisions of this chapter shall be only during good behavior, and any such person may be removed or discharged, suspended without pay, demoted, or reduced in rank, or deprived of vacation privileges or other special privileges for any of the following reasons:
(1) Incompetency, inefficiency or inattention to or dereliction of duty;
(2) Dishonesty, intemperance, immoral conduct, insubordination, discourteous treatment of the public, or a fellow employee, or any other act of omission or commission tending to injure the public service; or any other willful failure on the part of the employee to properly conduct himself or herself; or any willful violation of the provisions of this chapter or the rules and regulations to be adopted hereunder;
(3) Mental or physical unfitness for the position which the employee holds;
(4) Dishonest, disgraceful, immoral or prejudicial conduct;
(5) Drunkenness or use of intoxicating liquors, narcotics, or any other habit-forming drug, liquid or preparation to such extent that the use thereof interferes with the efficiency or mental or physical fitness of the employee, or which precludes the employee from properly performing the functions and duties of any position under civil service;
(6) Conviction of a felony, or a misdemeanor, involving moral turpitude;
(7) Any other act or failure to act which in the judgment of the civil service commissioners is sufficient to show the offender to be an unsuitable and unfit person to be employed in the public service.
[ 2007 c 218 s 5; 1935 c 31 s 8; RRS s 9558-8.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Tenure of employment—Grounds for discharge, reduction, or deprivation of privileges.


title: RCW 41.08.090

text:
No person in the classified civil service who shall have been permanently appointed or inducted into civil service under provisions of this chapter, shall be removed, suspended, demoted or discharged except for cause, and only upon the written accusation of the appointing power, or any citizen or taxpayer, a written statement of which accusation, in general terms, shall be served upon the accused, and a duplicate filed with the commission. Any person so removed, suspended, demoted or discharged may within ten days from the time of his or her removal, suspension, demotion or discharge, file with the commission a written demand for an investigation, whereupon the commission shall conduct such investigation. The investigation shall be confined to the determination of the question of whether such removal, suspension, demotion or discharge was or was not made for political or religious reasons and was or was not made in good faith for cause. After such investigation the commission may affirm the removal, or if it shall find that the removal, suspension, or demotion was made for political or religious reasons, or was not made in good faith for cause, shall order the immediate reinstatement or reemployment of such person in the office, place, position or employment from which such person was removed, suspended, demoted or discharged, which reinstatement shall, if the commission so provides in its discretion, be retroactive, and entitle such person to pay or compensation from the time of such removal, suspension, demotion or discharge. The commission upon such investigation, in lieu of affirming the removal, suspension, demotion or discharge may modify the order of removal, suspension, demotion or discharge by directing a suspension, without pay, for a given period, and subsequent restoration to duty, or demotion in classification, grade, or pay; the findings of the commission shall be certified, in writing to the appointing power, and shall be forthwith enforced by such officer.
All investigations made by the commission pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be by public hearing, after reasonable notice to the accused of the time and place of such hearing, at which hearing the accused shall be afforded an opportunity of appearing in person and by counsel, and presenting his or her defense. If such judgment or order be concurred in by the commission or a majority thereof, the accused may appeal therefrom to the court of original and unlimited jurisdiction in civil suits of the county wherein he or she resides. Such appeal shall be taken by serving the commission, within thirty days after the entry of such judgment or order, a written notice of appeal, stating the grounds thereof, and demanding that a certified transcript of the record and of all papers on file in the office of the commission affecting or relating to such judgment or order, be filed by the commission with such court. The commission shall, within ten days after the filing of such notice, make, certify and file such transcript with such court. The court of original and unlimited jurisdiction in civil suits shall thereupon proceed to hear and determine such appeal in a summary manner: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That such hearing shall be confined to the determination of whether the judgment or order of removal, discharge, demotion or suspension made by the commission, was or was not made in good faith for cause, and no appeal to such court shall be taken except upon such ground or grounds.
[ 2007 c 218 s 6; 1935 c 31 s 9; RRS s 9558-9.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Procedure for removal, suspension, demotion or discharge—Investigation—Hearing—Appeal.


title: RCW 41.08.100

text:
Whenever a position in the classified service becomes vacant, the appointing power, if it desires to fill the vacancy, shall make requisition upon the commission for the name and address of a person eligible for appointment thereto. The commission shall certify the name of the person highest on the eligible list for the class to which the vacant position has been allocated, who is willing to accept employment. If there is no appropriate eligible list for the class, the commission shall certify the name of the person standing highest on said list held appropriate for such class. If more than one vacancy is to be filled an additional name shall be certified for each additional vacancy. The appointing power shall forthwith appoint such person to such vacant position.
Whenever requisition is to be made, or whenever a position is held by a temporary appointee and an eligible list for the class of such position exists, the commission shall forthwith certify the name of the person eligible for appointment to the appointing power, and said appointing power shall forthwith appoint the person so certified to said position. No person so certified shall be laid off, suspended, or given leave of absence from duty, transferred or reduced in pay or grade, except for reasons which will promote the good of the service, specified in writing, and after an opportunity to be heard by the commission and then only with its consent and approval.
To enable the appointing power to exercise a choice in the filling of positions, no appointment, employment or promotion in any position in the classified service shall be deemed complete until after the expiration of a period of three to six months' probationary service, as may be provided in the rules of the civil service commission during which the appointing power may terminate the employment of the person certified to him or her, or it, if during the performance test thus afforded, upon observation or consideration of the performance of duty, the appointing power deems him or her unfit or unsatisfactory for service in the department. Whereupon the appointing power shall designate the person certified as standing next highest on any such list and such person shall likewise enter upon said duties until some person is found who is deemed fit for appointment, employment or promotion for the probationary period provided therefor, whereupon the appointment, employment or promotion shall be deemed to be complete.
[ 2007 c 218 s 7; 1935 c 31 s 11; RRS s 9558-11.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Filling of vacancies—Probationary period.


title: RCW 41.08.110

text:
All offices, places, positions and employments coming within the purview of this chapter, shall be created by the person or group of persons who, acting singly or in conjunction, as a mayor, city manager, chief, common council, commission or otherwise, is or are vested by law with power and authority to select, appoint, or employ any person coming within the purview of this chapter, and nothing herein contained shall infringe upon the power and authority of any such person or group of persons, or appointing power, to fix the salaries and compensation of all employees employed hereunder.
[ 1935 c 31 s 12; RRS s 9558-12.]

catchline: Power to create offices, make appointments and fix salaries not infringed.


title: RCW 41.08.120

text:
No treasurer, auditor, comptroller or other officer or employee of any city, town or municipality in which this chapter is effective, shall approve the payment of or be in any manner concerned in paying, auditing or approving any salary, wage or other compensation for services, to any person subject to the jurisdiction and scope of this chapter, unless a payroll, estimate or account for such salary, wage or other compensation, containing the names of the persons to be paid, the amount to be paid to each such person, the services on account of which same is paid, and any other information which, in the judgment of the civil service commission, should be furnished on said payroll, bears the certificate of the civil service commission or of its secretary or other duly authorized agent, that the persons named in such payroll, estimate or account have been appointed or employed in compliance with the terms of this chapter and with the rules of the commission, and that the said payroll, estimate or account is, so far as known to the said commission, a true and accurate statement. The commission shall refuse to certify the pay of any public officer or employee whom it finds to be illegally or improperly appointed, and may further refuse to certify the pay of any public officer or employee who shall wilfully or through culpable negligence violate or fail to comply with this chapter or with the rules of the commission.
[ 1935 c 31 s 13; RRS s 9558-13.]

catchline: Approval of payrolls.


title: RCW 41.08.130

text:
Leave of absence, without pay, may be granted by any appointing power to any person under civil service: PROVIDED, That such appointing power shall give notice of such leave to the commission. All temporary employment caused by leaves of absence shall be made from the eligible list of the classified civil service.
[ 1935 c 31 s 14; RRS s 9558-14.]

catchline: Leaves of absence—Notice—Filling vacancy.


title: RCW 41.08.140

text:
It shall be the duty of the commission to begin and conduct all civil suits which may be necessary for the proper enforcement of this chapter and of the rules of the commission. The commission shall be represented in such suits by the chief legal officer of the city, but said commission may in any case be represented by special counsel appointed by it.
[ 1935 c 31 s 15; RRS s 9558-15.]

catchline: Enforcement by civil action—Legal counsel.


title: RCW 41.08.150

text:
No commissioner or any other person shall, by himself or herself, or in cooperation with one or more persons, defeat, deceive, or obstruct any person in respect of his or her right of examination or registration according to the rules and regulations of this chapter, or falsely mark, grade, estimate or report upon the examination or proper standing of any person examined, registered or certified pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, or aid in so doing, or make any false representation concerning the same, or concerning the person examined, or furnish any person any special or secret information for the purpose of improving or injuring the prospects or chances of any person so examined, registered or certified, or to be examined, registered or certified or persuade any other person, or permit or aid in any manner any other person to personate him or her, in connection with any examination or registration or application or request to be examined or registered.
[ 2007 c 218 s 8; 1935 c 31 s 16; RRS s 9558-16.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Deceptive practices, false marks, etc., prohibited.


title: RCW 41.08.160

text:
No person holding any office, place, position or employment subject to civil service, is under any obligation to contribute to any political fund or to render any political service to any person or party whatsoever, and no person shall be removed, reduced in grade or salary, or otherwise prejudiced for refusing so to do. No public officer, whether elected or appointed, shall discharge, promote, demote or in any manner change the official rank, employment or compensation of any person under civil service, or promise or threaten so to do, for giving or withholding, or neglecting to make any contribution of money, or services, or any other valuable thing, for any political purpose.
[ 1935 c 31 s 17; RRS s 9558-17.]
Notes:
Political activities of public employees: RCW 41.06.250.

catchline: Political contributions and services—Not required—Solicitation and coercion prohibited.


title: RCW 41.08.170

text:
The various cities affected by the provisions of this chapter, shall, immediately upon the taking effect thereof, enact appropriate legislation for carrying this chapter into effect, and the failure upon the part of the duly constituted authorities of any such city so to do shall be considered a violation of this chapter and be punishable as such.
[ 1935 c 31 s 18; RRS s 9558-18.]

catchline: Local legislation required—Penalty.


title: RCW 41.08.180

text:
The duly constituted authorities of each and every city coming within the purview of this chapter, shall provide the commission with suitable and convenient rooms and accommodations and cause the same to be furnished, heated and lighted and supplied with all office supplies and equipment necessary to carry on the business of the commission and with such clerical assistance as may be necessary, all of which is to be commensurate with the number of persons in each such city coming within the purview of this chapter; and the failure upon the part of the duly constituted authorities to do so, shall be considered a violation of this chapter and shall be punishable as such.
[ 1935 c 31 s 19; RRS s 9558-19.]

catchline: Office and supplies to be furnished—Penalty for not providing.


title: RCW 41.08.183

text:
In ninety days after the taking effect of this chapter, it shall be the duty of the duly constituted authorities in each such city, subject to the provisions of this chapter, to appoint and create a civil service commission as provided for in RCW 41.08.010, and the failure upon the part of said duly constituted authorities, or any of them, so to do, shall be deemed a violation of this chapter, and shall be punishable as such.
[ 1935 c 31 s 20; RRS s 9558-20.]

catchline: Time limit for creation of commission—Penalty.


title: RCW 41.08.185

text:
It shall be the duty of each commission appointed subject to the provisions of this chapter, to immediately organize and see to it that the provisions thereof are carried into effect, and to this end to make suitable rules and regulations not inconsistent with the purpose of this chapter, for the purpose of carrying the provisions thereof into effect; and the failure upon the part of said commission, or any individual member thereof to do so, shall be deemed a violation of this chapter, and shall be punishable as such.
[ 1935 c 31 s 21; RRS s 9558-21.]

catchline: Duty of commission to organize and function—Penalty for violation.


title: RCW 41.08.190

text:
It shall be the duty of all officers and employees of any such city to aid in all proper ways of carrying out the provisions of this chapter, and such rules and regulations as may, from time to time, be prescribed by the commission thereunder and to afford the commission, its members and employees, all reasonable facilities and assistance to inspect all books, papers, documents and accounts applying or in any way appertaining to any and all offices, places, positions and employments, subject to civil service, and also to produce said books, papers, documents and accounts, and attend and testify, whenever required so to do by the commission or any commissioner.
[ 1935 c 31 s 10; RRS s 9558-10.]

catchline: Cooperation of city officers and employees enjoined.


title: RCW 41.08.200

text:
For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter, such city, town or municipality is hereby authorized to appropriate from the general fund not to exceed four-tenths of one percent of the total payroll of those included under the jurisdiction and scope of the chapter: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That if the city council or other proper legislative body shall make an appropriation for the support of said commission equal to or more than the said continuing appropriation in any year, this section shall not be operative for said year but otherwise shall be in full force and effect.
[ 1935 c 31 s 22; RRS s 9558-22.]

catchline: Appropriation for expenses.


title: RCW 41.08.210

text:
Any person who shall wilfully violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars and by imprisonment in the county jail for not longer than thirty days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The court of original and unlimited jurisdiction in civil suits shall have jurisdiction of all such offenses defined by this chapter.
[ 1935 c 31 s 23; RRS s 9558-23.]

catchline: Penalty—Jurisdiction.


title: RCW 41.08.220

text:
As used in this chapter, the following mentioned terms shall have the following described meanings:
The term "commission" means the civil service commission herein created, and the term "commissioner" means any one of the three commissioners of that commission.
The term "appointing power" includes every person or group of persons who, acting singly or in conjunction, as a mayor, city manager, council, common council, commission, or otherwise, is or are, vested by law with power and authority to select, appoint, or employ any person to hold any office, place, position or employment subject to civil service.
The term "appointment" includes all means of selection, appointing or employing any person to hold any office, place, position or employment subject to civil service.
The term "city" includes all cities, towns and municipalities having a full paid fire department.
The term "full paid fire department" means that the officers and firefighters employed in such are paid regularly by the city and devote their whole time to firefighting.
[ 2007 c 218 s 9; 1935 c 31 s 24; RRS s 9558-24.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 41.08.910

text:
All acts and parts of acts in conflict with the provisions of this chapter are hereby repealed insofar as they conflict with the provisions of this chapter.
[ 1935 c 31 s 26; RRS s 9558-26.]

catchline: Repeal.


title: RCW 41.12.010

text:
The provisions of this chapter shall have no application to cities and towns which at the present time have provided for civil service in the police department or which shall subsequently provide for civil service in the police department by local charter or other regulations which said local charter or regulations substantially accomplish the purpose of this chapter, nor to cities having a police force of not more than two persons including the chief of police.
[ 1937 c 13 s 1; RRS s 9558a-1.]

catchline: Application of chapter.


title: RCW 41.12.020

text:
If any of the cities or towns referred to in RCW 41.12.010 shall at any time repeal the charter provisions or other local acts of said cities or towns providing for civil service for police officers as referred to in RCW 41.12.010, in that event this chapter shall apply to all of such cities and towns which have at any time abolished civil service for members of the police department.
[ 2007 c 218 s 10; 1937 c 13 s 2; RRS s 9558a-2.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Excluded cities—Repeal of local law—Effect.


title: RCW 41.12.030

text:
There is hereby created in every city, town or municipality except those referred to in RCW 41.12.010, having fully paid police officers a civil service commission which shall be composed of three persons.
The members of such commission shall be appointed by the person or group of persons who, acting singly or in conjunction, as a mayor, city manager, council, common council, commission, or otherwise, is or are vested by law with the power and authority to select, appoint, or employ the chief of a police department in any such city, prior to the enactment of this chapter. The members of such commission shall serve without compensation. No person shall be appointed a member of such commission who is not a citizen of the United States, a resident of such city for at least three years immediately preceding such appointment, and an elector of the county wherein he or she resides. The term of office of such commissioners shall be for six years, except that the first three members of such commission shall be appointed for different terms, as follows: One to serve for a period of two years, one to serve for a period of four years, and one to serve for a period of six years. Any member of such commission may be removed from office for incompetency, incompatibility or dereliction of duty, or malfeasance in office, or other good cause: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That no member of the commission shall be removed until charges have been preferred, in writing, due notice and a full hearing had. The members of such commission shall devote due time and attention to the performance of the duties hereinafter specified and imposed upon them by this chapter. Two members of such commission shall constitute a quorum and the votes of any two members of such commission concurring shall be sufficient for the decision of all matters and the transaction of all business to be decided or transacted by the commission under or by virtue of the provisions of this chapter. Confirmation of said appointment or appointments of commissioners by any legislative body shall not be required. At the time of any appointment not more than two commissioners shall be adherents of the same political party.
[ 2007 c 218 s 11; 1937 c 13 s 3; RRS s 9558a-3.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.


title: RCW 41.12.040

text:
Immediately after appointment the commission shall organize by electing one of its members chair and hold regular meetings at least once a month, and such additional meetings as may be required for the proper discharge of their duties.
They shall appoint a secretary and chief examiner, who shall keep the records for the commission, preserve all reports made to it, superintend and keep a record of all examinations held under its direction, and perform such other duties as the commission may prescribe.
The secretary and chief examiner shall be appointed as a result of competitive examination which examination may be either original and open to all properly qualified citizens of the city, town, or municipality, or promotional and limited to persons already in the service of the police department or of the police department and other departments of the city, town, or municipality, as the commission may decide. The secretary and chief examiner may be subject to suspension, reduction, or discharge in the same manner and subject to the same limitations as are provided in the case of members of the police department. It shall be the duty of the civil service commission:
(1) To make suitable rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter. Such rules and regulations shall provide in detail the manner in which examinations may be held, and appointments, promotions, transfers, reinstatements, demotions, suspensions, and discharges shall be made, and may also provide for any other matters connected with the general subject of personnel administration, and which may be considered desirable to further carry out the general purposes of this chapter, or which may be found to be in the interest of good personnel administration. Such rules and regulations may be changed from time to time. The rules and regulations and any amendments thereof shall be printed, mimeographed, or multigraphed for free public distribution. Such rules and regulations may be changed from time to time;
(2) All tests shall be practical, and shall consist only of subjects which will fairly determine the capacity of persons examined to perform duties of the position to which appointment is to be made, and may include tests of physical fitness and/or of manual skill;
(3) The rules and regulations adopted by the commission shall provide for a credit in accordance with RCW 41.04.010 in favor of all applicants for appointment under civil service, who, in time of war, or in any expedition of the armed forces of the United States, have served in and been discharged from the armed forces of the United States, including the army, navy, and marine corps and the American Red Cross, with a qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005. These credits apply to entrance examinations only;
(4) The commission shall make investigations concerning and report upon all matters touching the enforcement and effect of the provisions of this chapter, and the rules and regulations prescribed hereunder; inspect all institutions, departments, offices, places, positions, and employments affected by this chapter, and ascertain whether this chapter and all such rules and regulations are being obeyed. Such investigations may be made by the commission or by any commissioner designated by the commission for that purpose. Not only must these investigations be made by the commission, but the commission must make like investigation on petition of a citizen, duly verified, stating that irregularities or abuses exist, or setting forth in concise language, in writing, the necessity for such investigation. In the course of such investigation the commission or designated commissioner, or chief examiner, shall have the power to administer oaths, subpoena and require the attendance of witnesses and the production by them of books, papers, documents, and accounts appertaining to the investigation, and also to cause the deposition of witnesses residing within or without the state to be taken in the manner prescribed by law for like depositions in civil actions in the superior court; and the oaths administered hereunder and the subpoenas issued hereunder shall have the same force and effect as the oaths administered by a superior court judge in his or her judicial capacity; and the failure upon the part of any person so subpoenaed to comply with the provisions of this section shall be deemed a violation of this chapter, and punishable as such;
(5) Hearings and Investigations: How conducted. All hearings and investigations before the commission, or designated commissioner, or chief examiner, shall be governed by this chapter and by rules of practice and procedure to be adopted by the commission, and in the conduct thereof neither the commission, nor designated commissioner shall be bound by the technical rules of evidence. No informality in any proceedings or hearing, or in the manner of taking testimony before the commission or designated commissioner, shall invalidate any order, decision, rule or regulation made, approved or confirmed by the commission: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That no order, decision, rule or regulation made by any designated commissioner conducting any hearing or investigation alone shall be of any force or effect whatsoever unless and until concurred in by at least one of the other two members;
(6) To hear and determine appeals or complaints respecting the administrative work of the personnel department; appeals upon the allocation of positions; the rejection of an examination, and such other matters as may be referred to the commission;
(7) Establish and maintain in card or other suitable form a roster of officers and employees;
(8) Provide for, formulate and hold competitive tests to determine the relative qualifications of persons who seek employment in any class or position and as a result thereof establish eligible lists for the various classes of positions, and to provide that persons laid off because of curtailment of expenditures, reduction in force, and for like causes, head the list in the order of their seniority, to the end that they shall be the first to be reemployed;
(9) When a vacant position is to be filled, to certify to the appointing authority, on written request, the name of the person highest on the eligible list for the class. If there are no such lists, to authorize provisional or temporary appointment list of such class. Such temporary or provisional appointment shall not continue for a period longer than four months; nor shall any person receive more than one provisional appointment or serve more than four months as provisional appointee in any one fiscal year;
(10) Keep such records as may be necessary for the proper administration of this chapter.
[ 2024 c 146 s 17; 1993 c 47 s 5; 1937 c 13 s 5; RRS s 9558a-5.]
Notes:
Intent—2024 c 146: See note following RCW 73.04.005.
Preferred rights in employment, examinations, appointments, etc., limited to actual members of armed forces: RCW 73.04.090.
Veterans' and uniformed service members' scoring criteria status in examinations: RCW 41.04.010.

catchline: Organization of commission—Secretary—Powers and duties of commission.


title: RCW 41.12.050

text:
(1) For police departments with fewer than six commissioned officers, including the police chief, the classified civil service and provisions of this chapter includes all full paid employees of the department of the city, town, or municipality.
(2) For police departments with six or more commissioned officers, including the police chief, the legislative body of a city, town, or municipality may exempt from civil service individuals appointed as police chief after July 1, 1987.
(a) If the police chief is not exempt, the classified civil service includes all full paid employees of the department of the city, town, or municipality, including the police chief.
(b) If the police chief is exempt, the classified civil service includes all full paid employees of the department of the city, town, or municipality, except the police chief and an additional number of positions, designated the unclassified service, determined as follows:
Department Personnel
Unclassified
Position Appointments
6
through 10
2
11
through 20
3
21
through 50
4
51
through 100
5
101
through 250
6
251
through 500
8
501
and over
10
(3) The unclassified position appointments authorized by subsection (2)(b) of this section may only include selections from the following positions up to the limit of the number of positions authorized: Assistant chief, deputy chief, bureau commander, and administrative assistant or administrative secretary. The initial selection of specific positions to be in the unclassified service and exempt from civil service shall be made by the police chief, who shall notify the civil service commission of his or her selection. Subsequent changes in the designation of which positions are in the unclassified service may be made only with the concurrence of the police chief, the mayor or the city administrator, and the civil service commission, and then only after the civil service commission has heard the issue in an open meeting. If a position initially selected by the police chief to be in the unclassified service is in the classified civil service at the time of the selection, and if the position is occupied, the employee occupying the position has the right to return to the next highest position or a like position in the classified civil service.
(4) All appointments to and promotions in the department shall be made solely on merit, efficiency, and fitness except as provided in RCW 35.13.360 through 35.13.400, which shall be ascertained by open competitive examination and impartial investigation. No person in the unclassified service shall be reinstated in or transferred, suspended, or discharged from any such place, position, or employment contrary to the provisions of this chapter.
[ 2002 c 143 s 1; 1993 c 189 s 1; 1987 c 339 s 2; 1937 c 13 s 4; RRS s 9558a-4.]
Notes:
Severability—Effective date—1987 c 339: See notes following RCW 35.21.333.
Chief of police or marshal—Eligibility requirements: RCW 35.21.333.

catchline: Persons included—Restricted exemptions—Competitive examinations—Transfers, discharges, and reinstatements.


title: RCW 41.12.070

text:
An applicant for a position of any kind under civil service under the provisions of this chapter, must be a citizen of the United States of America, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient. An applicant for a position of any kind under civil service under the provisions of this chapter must be able to speak, read, and write the English language.
An applicant for a position of any kind under civil service must be of an age suitable for the position applied for, in ordinary good health, of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits; these facts to be ascertained in such manner as the commission may deem advisable.
An application for a position with a law enforcement agency may be rejected if the law enforcement agency deems that it does not have the resources to conduct the background investigation required pursuant to chapter 43.101 RCW. Resources means materials, funding, and staff time. Nothing in this section impairs an applicant's rights under state antidiscrimination laws.
[ 2024 c 330 s 6; 2018 c 32 s 2; 1972 ex.s. c 37 s 3; 1963 c 95 s 2; 1937 c 13 s 7; RRS s 9558a-7.]
Notes:
Purpose—1972 ex.s. c 37: See note following RCW 41.08.070.

catchline: Qualifications of applicants—Law enforcement agencies.


title: RCW 41.12.075

text:
No city, town, or municipality shall require any person applying for or holding an office, place, position, or employment under the provisions of this chapter or under any local charter or other regulations described in RCW 41.12.010 to reside within the limits of such municipal corporation as a condition of employment or to discriminate in any manner against any such person because of his or her residence outside of the limits of such city, town, or municipality.
[ 2007 c 218 s 12; 1972 ex.s. c 37 s 5.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.
Purpose—1972 ex.s. c 37: See note following RCW 41.08.070.

catchline: Residency as condition of employment—Discrimination because of lack of residency—Prohibited.


title: RCW 41.12.080

text:
The tenure of everyone holding an office, place, position or employment under the provisions of this chapter shall be only during good behavior, and any such person may be removed or discharged, suspended without pay, demoted, or reduced in rank, or deprived of vacation privileges or other special privileges for any of the following reasons:
(1) Incompetency, inefficiency or inattention to or dereliction of duty;
(2) Dishonesty, intemperance, immoral conduct, insubordination, discourteous treatment of the public, or a fellow employee, or any other act of omission or commission tending to injure the public service; or any other willful failure on the part of the employee to properly conduct himself or herself; or any willful violation of the provisions of this chapter or the rules and regulation to be adopted hereunder;
(3) Mental or physical unfitness for the position which the employee holds;
(4) Dishonest, disgraceful, immoral or prejudicial conduct;
(5) Drunkenness or use of intoxicating liquors, narcotics, or any other habit-forming drug, liquid or preparation to such extent that the use thereof interferes with the efficiency or mental or physical fitness of the employee, or which precludes the employee from properly performing the function and duties of any position under civil service;
(6) Conviction of a felony, or a misdemeanor, involving moral turpitude;
(7) Any other act or failure to act which in the judgment of the civil service commissioners is sufficient to show the offender to be an unsuitable and unfit person to be employed in the public service.
[ 2007 c 218 s 13; 1937 c 13 s 8; RRS s 9558a-8.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Tenure of employment—Grounds for discharge, reduction, or deprivation of privileges.


title: RCW 41.12.090

text:
No person in the classified civil service who shall have been permanently appointed or inducted into civil service under provisions of this chapter, shall be removed, suspended, demoted or discharged except for cause, and only upon written accusation of the appointing power, or any citizen or taxpayer; a written statement of which accusation, in general terms, shall be served upon the accused, and a duplicate filed with the commission. Any person so removed, suspended, demoted or discharged may within ten days from the time of his or her removal, suspension, demotion or discharge, file with the commission a written demand for an investigation, whereupon the commission shall conduct such investigation. The investigation shall be confined to the determination of the question of whether such removal, suspension, demotion or discharge was or was not made for political or religious reasons and was or was not made in good faith for cause. After such investigation the commission may affirm the removal, or if it shall find that the removal, suspension, or demotion was made for political or religious reasons, or was not made in good faith for cause, shall order the immediate reinstatement or reemployment of such person in the office, place, position or employment from which such person was removed, suspended, demoted or discharged, which reinstatement shall, if the commission so provides in its discretion, be retroactive, and entitle such person to pay or compensation from the time of such removal, suspension, demotion or discharge. The commission upon such investigation, in lieu of affirming the removal, suspension, demotion or discharge may modify the order of removal, suspension, demotion or discharge by directing a suspension, without pay, for a given period, and subsequent restoration to duty, or demotion in classification, grade, or pay; the findings of the commission shall be certified, in writing to the appointing power, and shall be forthwith enforced by such officer.
All investigations made by the commission pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be had by public hearing, after reasonable notice to the accused of the time and place of such hearing, at which hearing the accused shall be afforded an opportunity of appearing in person and by counsel, and presenting his or her defense. If such judgment or order be concurred in by the commission or a majority thereof, the accused may appeal therefrom to the court of original and unlimited jurisdiction in civil suits of the county wherein he or she resides. Such appeal shall be taken by serving the commission, within thirty days after the entry of such judgment or order, a written notice of appeal, stating the grounds thereof, and demanding that a certified transcript of the record and of all papers on file in the office of the commission affecting or relating to such judgment or order, be filed by the commission with such court. The commission shall, within ten days after the filing of such notice, make, certify and file such transcript with such court. The court of original and unlimited jurisdiction in civil suits shall thereupon proceed to hear and determine such appeal in a summary manner: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That such hearing shall be confined to the determination of whether the judgment or order of removal, discharge, demotion or suspension made by the commission, was or was not made in good faith for cause, and no appeal to such court shall be taken except upon such ground or grounds.
[ 2007 c 218 s 14; 1937 c 13 s 9; RRS s 9558a-9.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Procedure for removal, suspension, demotion or discharge—Investigation—Hearing—Appeal.


title: RCW 41.12.100

text:
Whenever a position in the classified service becomes vacant, the appointing power, if it desires to fill the vacancy, shall make requisition upon the commission for the name and address of a person eligible for appointment thereto. The commission shall certify the name of the person highest on the eligible list for the class to which the vacant position has been allocated, who is willing to accept employment. If there is no appropriate eligible list for the class, the commission shall certify the name of the person standing highest on said list held appropriate for such class. If more than one vacancy is to be filled an additional name shall be certified for each additional vacancy. The appointing power shall forthwith appoint such person to such vacant position.
Whenever requisition is to be made, or whenever a position is held by a temporary appointee and an eligible list for the class of such position exists, the commission shall forthwith certify the name of the person eligible for appointment to the appointing power, and said appointing power shall forthwith appoint the person so certified to said position. No person so certified shall be laid off, suspended, or given leave of absence from duty, transferred or reduced in pay or grade, except for reasons which will promote the good of the service, specified in writing, and after an opportunity to be heard by the commission and then only with its consent and approval.
To enable the appointing power to exercise a choice in the filling of positions, no appointment, employment or promotion in any position in the classified service shall be deemed complete until after the expiration of a period of three to six months' probationary service, as may be provided in the rules of the civil service commission during which the appointing power may terminate the employment of the person certified to him or her, or it, if during the performance test thus afforded, upon observation or consideration of the performance of duty, the appointing power deems him or her unfit or unsatisfactory for service in the department, whereupon the appointing power shall designate the person certified as standing next highest on any such list and such person shall likewise enter upon said duties until some person is found who is deemed fit for appointment, employment or promotion for the probationary period provided therefor, whereupon the appointment, employment or promotion shall be deemed to be complete.
[ 2007 c 218 s 15; 1937 c 13 s 11; RRS s 9558a-11.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Filling of vacancies—Probationary period.


title: RCW 41.12.110

text:
All offices, places, positions and employments coming within the purview of this chapter, shall be created by the person or group of persons who, acting singly or in conjunction, as a mayor, city manager, chief, common council, commission or otherwise, it is vested by law with power and authority to select, appoint, or employ any person coming within the purview of this chapter, and nothing herein contained shall infringe upon the power and authority of any such person or group of persons, or appointing power, to fix the salaries and compensation of all employees employed hereunder.
[ 1937 c 13 s 12; RRS s 9558a-12.]

catchline: Power to create offices, make appointments and fix salaries not infringed.


title: RCW 41.12.120

text:
No treasurer, auditor, comptroller or other officer, or employee of any city, town or municipality in which this chapter is effective, shall approve the payment of or be in any manner concerned in paying, auditing or approving any salary, wage, or other compensation for services, to any person subject to the jurisdiction and scope of this chapter, unless a payroll, estimate or account for such salary, wage or other compensation, containing the names of the persons to be paid, the amount to be paid to each such person, the services on account of which same is paid, and any other information which, in the judgment of the civil service commission, should be furnished on said payroll, bears the certificate of the civil service commission or of its secretary or other duly authorized agent, that the persons named in such payroll, estimate or account have been appointed or employed in compliance with the terms of this chapter and with the rules of the commission, and that the said payroll, estimate or account is, so far as known to the said commission, a true and accurate statement. The commission shall refuse to certify the pay of any public officer or employee whom it finds to be illegally or improperly appointed, and may further refuse to certify the pay of any public officer or employee who shall wilfully or through culpable negligence violate or fail to comply with this chapter or with the rules of the commission.
[ 1937 c 13 s 13; RRS s 9558a-13.]

catchline: Approval of payrolls.


title: RCW 41.12.130

text:
Leave of absence, without pay, may be granted by any appointing power to any person under civil service: PROVIDED, That such appointing power shall give notice of such leave to the commission. All temporary employment caused by leaves of absence shall be made from the eligible list of the classified civil service.
[ 1937 c 13 s 14; RRS s 9558a-14.]

catchline: Leaves of absence—Notice—Filling vacancy.


title: RCW 41.12.140

text:
It shall be the duty of the commission to begin and conduct all civil suits which may be necessary for the proper enforcement of this chapter and of the rules of the commission. The commission shall be represented in such suits by the chief legal officer of the city, but said commission may in any case be represented by special counsel appointed by it.
[ 1937 c 13 s 15; RRS s 9558a-15.]

catchline: Enforcement by civil action—Legal counsel.


title: RCW 41.12.150

text:
No commissioner or any other person shall, by himself or herself, or in cooperation with one or more persons, defeat, deceive, or obstruct any person in respect of his or her right of examination or registration according to the rules and regulations of this chapter, or falsely mark, grade, estimate or report upon the examination or proper standing of any person examined, registered or certified pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, or aid in so doing, or make any false representation concerning the same, or concerning the person examined, or furnish any person any special or secret information for the purpose of improving or injuring the prospects or chances of any person so examined, registered or certified, or to be examined, registered or certified or persuade any other person, or permit or aid in any manner any other person to personate him or her, in connection with any examination or registration of application or request to be examined or registered.
[ 2007 c 218 s 16; 1937 c 13 s 16; RRS s 9558a-16.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Deceptive practices, false marks, etc., prohibited.


title: RCW 41.12.160

text:
No person holding any office, place, position or employment subject to civil service, is under any obligation to contribute to any political fund or to render any political service to any person or party whatsoever, and no person shall be removed, reduced in grade or salary, or otherwise prejudiced for refusing so to do. No public officer, whether elected or appointed, shall discharge, promote, demote, or in any manner change the official rank, employment or compensation of any person under civil service, or promise or threaten so to do, for giving or withholding, or neglecting to make any contribution of money, or services, or any other valuable thing, for any political purpose.
[ 1937 c 13 s 17; RRS s 9558a-17.]
Notes:
Political activities of public employees: RCW 41.06.250.

catchline: Political contributions and services.


title: RCW 41.12.170

text:
The various cities affected by the provisions of this chapter, shall immediately upon the taking effect thereof, enact appropriate legislation for carrying this chapter into effect, and the failure upon the part of the duly constituted authorities of any such city so to do shall be considered a violation of this chapter and be punishable as such.
[ 1937 c 13 s 18; RRS s 9558a-18.]

catchline: Local legislation required—Penalty.


title: RCW 41.12.180

text:
The duly constituted authorities of each and every city coming within the purview of this chapter, shall provide the commission with suitable and convenient rooms and accommodations and cause the same to be furnished, heated and lighted and supplied with all office supplies and equipment necessary to carry on the business of the commission and with such clerical assistance as may be necessary, all of which is to be commensurate with the number of persons in each such city coming within the purview of this chapter; and the failure upon the part of the duly constituted authorities to do so, shall be considered a violation of this chapter and shall be punishable as such.
[ 1937 c 13 s 19; RRS s 9558a-19.]

catchline: Office and supplies to be furnished—Penalty for not providing.


title: RCW 41.12.183

text:
In ninety days after the taking effect of this chapter, it shall be the duty of the duly constituted authorities in each such city, subject to the provisions of this chapter, to appoint and create a civil service commission as provided for in RCW 41.12.010, and the failure upon the part of said duly constituted authorities, or any of them, so to do, shall be deemed a violation of this chapter, and shall be punishable as such.
[ 1937 c 13 s 20; RRS s 9558a-20.]

catchline: Time limit for creation of commission—Penalty.


title: RCW 41.12.185

text:
It shall be the duty of each commission appointed subject to the provisions of this chapter, to immediately organize and see to it that the provisions thereof are carried into effect, and to this end to make suitable rules and regulations not inconsistent with the purpose of this chapter, for the purpose of carrying the provisions thereof into effect; and the failure upon the part of said commission, or any individual member thereof to do so, shall be deemed a violation of this chapter, and shall be punishable as such.
[ 1937 c 13 s 21; RRS s 9558a-21.]

catchline: Duty of commission to organize and function—Penalty for violation.


title: RCW 41.12.190

text:
It shall be the duty of all officers and employees of any such city to aid in all proper ways of carrying out the provisions of this chapter, and such rules and regulations as may, from time to time, be prescribed by the commission thereunder and to afford the commission, its members and employees, all reasonable facilities and assistance to inspect all books, papers, documents and accounts applying or in any way appertaining to any and all offices, places, positions and employments, subject to civil service, and also to produce said books, papers, documents and accounts, and attend and testify, whenever required so to do by the commission or any commissioner.
[ 1937 c 13 s 10; RRS s 9558a-10.]

catchline: Cooperation of city officers and employees enjoined.


title: RCW 41.12.200

text:
For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter, such city, town or municipality is hereby authorized to appropriate from the general fund not to exceed four-tenths of one percent of the total payroll of those included under the jurisdiction and scope of the chapter: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That if the city council or other proper legislative body shall make an appropriation for the support of said commission equal to or more than the said continuing appropriation in any year, this section shall not be operative for said year but otherwise shall be in full force and effect.
[ 1937 c 13 s 22; RRS s 9558a-22.]

catchline: Appropriation for expenses.


title: RCW 41.12.210

text:
Any person who shall wilfully violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars and by imprisonment in the county jail for not longer than thirty days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The court of original and unlimited jurisdiction in civil suits shall have jurisdiction of all such offenses defined by this chapter.
[ 1937 c 13 s 23; RRS s 9558a-23.]

catchline: Penalty—Jurisdiction.


title: RCW 41.12.220

text:
As used in this chapter, the following mentioned terms shall have the following described meanings:
The term "commission" means the civil service commission herein created, and the term "commissioner" means any one of the three commissioners of that commission.
The term "appointing power" includes every person or group of persons who, acting singly or in conjunction, as a mayor, city manager, council, common council, commission, or otherwise, is or are, invested by law with power and authority to select, appoint, or employ any person to hold any office, place, position or employment subject to civil service.
The term "appointment" includes all means of selection, appointing or employing any person to hold any office, place, position or employment subject to civil service.
The term "city" includes all cities, towns and municipalities having a full paid police department.
The term "full paid police department" means that the officers and police officers employed in such are paid regularly by the city and devote their whole time to police duty: PROVIDED, "full paid police department" whenever used in this chapter shall also mean "full paid police officers."
[ 2007 c 218 s 17; 1937 c 13 s 24; RRS s 9558a-24.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 41.12.910

text:
All acts and parts of acts in conflict with the provisions of this chapter are hereby repealed insofar as they conflict with the provisions of this chapter.
[ 1937 c 13 s 26; RRS s 9558a-26.]

catchline: Repeal.


title: RCW 41.14.010

text:
The general purpose of this chapter is to establish a merit system of employment for county deputy sheriffs and other employees of the office of county sheriff, thereby raising the standards and efficiency of such offices and law enforcement in general.
[ 1987 c 251 s 1; 1985 c 429 s 3; 1959 c 1 s 1 (Initiative Measure No. 23, approved November 4, 1958).]

catchline: Declaration of purpose.


title: RCW 41.14.020

text:
Definition of terms:
(1) "Appointing power" means the county sheriff who is invested by law with power and authority to select, appoint, or employ any deputy, deputies, or other necessary employees subject to civil service;
(2) "Appointment" includes all means of selecting, appointing, or employing any person to any office, place, position, or employment subject to civil service;
(3) "Commission" means the civil service commission, or combined county civil service commission, herein created, and "commissioner" means any one of the members of any such commission;
(4) "County" means any county of the state, or any counties combined pursuant to RCW 41.14.040 for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter;
(5) "Deputy sheriff or other members of the office of county sheriff" means all persons regularly employed in the office of county sheriff either on a part time or full time basis.
[ 2009 c 112 s 1; 1959 c 1 s 2 (Initiative Measure No. 23, approved November 4, 1958).]
Notes:
Reviser's note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).

catchline: Terms defined.


title: RCW 41.14.030

text:
(1) There is created in each county and in each combination of counties, combined pursuant to RCW 41.14.040 to carry out the provisions of this chapter, a civil service commission which shall be composed of three persons, or five persons under subsection (2) of this section. The commission members shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners, or boards of county commissioners of each combination of counties, within sixty days after December 4, 1958. No person shall be appointed to the commission who is not a citizen of the United States, a resident of the county, or one of the counties combined, for at least two years immediately preceding his or her appointment, and an elector of the county wherein he or she resides. The term of office of the commissioners shall be six years, except that the first three members of the commission shall be appointed for different terms, as follows: One to serve for a period of two years, one to serve for a period of four years, and one to serve for a period of six years. Any member of the commission may be removed from office for incompetency, incompatibility, or dereliction of duty, or malfeasance in office, or other good cause: PROVIDED, That no member of the commission shall be removed until charges have been preferred, in writing, due notice, and a full hearing had. Any vacancy in the commission shall be filled by the county commissioners for the unexpired term. Two members of the commission shall constitute a quorum and the votes of any two members concurring shall be sufficient for the decision of all matters and the transaction of all business to be decided or transacted by the commission. Confirmation of the appointment of commissioners by any legislative body shall not be required. At the time of appointment not more than two commissioners shall be adherents of the same political party. No member after appointment shall hold any salaried public office or engage in county employment, other than his or her commission duties. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation.
(2)(a) Each county and each combination of counties under RCW 41.14.040 may, by ordinance, increase the number of members serving on a commission from three to five members. If a commission is increased to five members, the terms of the three commissioners serving at the time of the increase are not affected. The initial term of office for the two additional commissioners is six years.
(b) Three commissioners constitute a quorum for a five-member commission and the votes of three commissioners concurring are sufficient for the decision of all matters and the transaction of all business decided or transacted by a five-member commission.
(c) At the time of appointment of the two additional commissioners, no more than three commissioners may be adherents of the same political party.
(d) Except as provided otherwise in this subsection (2), subsection (1) of this section applies to five-member commissions.
[ 2012 c 117 s 11; 2009 c 112 s 2; 1959 c 1 s 3 (Initiative Measure No. 23, approved November 4, 1958).]

catchline: Civil service commission—Appointment, terms, qualifications, compensation, etc.


title: RCW 41.14.040

text:
Any counties with populations of less than forty thousand, whether contiguous or not, are authorized to establish and operate a combined civil service system to serve all counties so combined. The combination of any such counties shall be effective whenever each board of county commissioners of the counties involved adopts a resolution declaring intention to participate in the operation of a combined county civil service system in accordance with agreements made between any such counties. Any such combined county civil service commission shall serve the employees of each county sheriff's office impartially and according to need.
All matters affecting the combined civil service commission, including the selection of commissioners, shall be decided by majority vote of all the county commissioners of the counties involved.
All the provisions of this chapter shall apply equally to any such combined civil service system.
[ 1991 c 363 s 114; 1959 c 1 s 4 (Initiative Measure No. 23, approved November 4, 1958).]
Notes:
Purpose—Captions not law—1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.

catchline: Combined system authorized in counties with populations of less than forty thousand.


title: RCW 41.14.050

text:
Immediately after appointment the commission shall organize by electing one of its members as chair and shall hold regular meetings at least once a month, and such additional meetings as may be required for the proper discharge of its duties.
The commission shall appoint a chief examiner who shall also serve as secretary of the commission and such assistants as may be necessary. The commission has supervisory responsibility over the chief examiner. The chief examiner shall keep the records for the commission, preserve all reports made to it, superintend and keep a record of all examinations held under its direction, and perform such other duties as the commission may prescribe.
The chief examiner shall be appointed as a result of competitive examination, which examination must be open to all properly qualified citizens of the county or of an adjacent county: PROVIDED, That no appointee of the commission, either as chief examiner or as an assistant to the chief examiner, shall be an employee of the sheriff's department. The chief examiner may be subject to suspension, reduction, or discharge in the same manner and subject to the same limitations as are provided in the case of members of the classified service.
[ 2016 c 82 s 1; 2007 c 12 s 1; 1979 ex.s. c 153 s 1; 1959 c 1 s 5 (Initiative Measure No. 23, approved November 4, 1958).]

catchline: Commission—Organization, meetings—Chief examiner, qualifications, duties.