title: RCW 44.28.157

text:
(1) By December 31, 2015, the joint committee must review the reports on school district health benefits submitted to it by the office of the insurance commissioner and the health care authority and report to the legislature on the progress by school districts and their benefit providers in meeting the following legislative goals to:
(a) Improve the transparency of health benefit plan claims and financial data to assure prudent and efficient use of taxpayers' funds at the state and local levels;
(b) Create greater affordability for full family coverage and greater equity between premium costs for full family coverage and employee only coverage for the same health benefit plan;
(c) Promote health care innovations and cost savings and significantly reduce administrative costs.
(2) The joint committee shall also make a recommendation regarding a specific target to realize the goal in subsection (1)(b) of this section.
(3) The joint committee shall report on the status of individual school districts' progress in achieving the goals in subsection (1) of this section.
(4)(a) In the 2015-2016 school year, the joint committee shall determine which school districts have met the requirements of *RCW 28A.400.350 (5) and (6), and shall rank order these districts from highest to lowest in term of their performance in meeting the requirements.
(b) The joint committee shall then allocate performance grants to the highest performing districts from a performance fund of five million dollars appropriated by the legislature for this purpose. Performance grants shall be used by school districts only to reduce employee health insurance copayments and deductibles. In determining the number of school districts to receive awards, the joint committee must consider the impact of the award on district employee copayments and deductibles in such a manner that the award amounts have a meaningful impact.
(5) If the joint committee determines that districts and their benefit providers have not made adequate progress, in the judgment of the joint committee, in achieving one or more of the legislative goals in subsection (1) of this section, the joint committee report to the legislature must contain advantages, disadvantages, and recommendations on the following:
(a) Why adequate progress has not been made, to the extent the joint committee is able to determine the reason or reasons for the insufficient progress;
(b) What legislative or agency actions would help remove barriers to improvement;
(c) Whether school district health insurance purchasing should be accomplished through a single consolidated school employee health benefits purchasing plan;
(d) Whether school district health insurance purchasing should be accomplished through the public employees' benefits board program, and whether consolidation into the public employees' benefits board program would be preferable to the creation of a consolidated school employee health benefits purchasing plan; and
(e) Whether certificated or classified employees, as separate groups, would be better served by purchasing health insurance through a single consolidated school employee health benefits purchasing plan or through participation in the public employees' benefits board program.
(6) The report shall contain any legislation necessary to implement the recommendations of the joint committee.
(7) The legislature shall take all steps necessary to implement the recommendations of the joint committee unless the legislature adopts alternative strategies to meet its goals during the 2016 session.
[ 2012 2nd sp.s. c 3 s 7.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 28A.400.350 was amended by 2017 3rd sp.s. c 13 s 816, changing subsections (5) and (6) to subsection (5)(a) and (b).
Findings—Goals—Intent—2012 2nd sp.s. c 3: See note following RCW 28A.400.275.

catchline: School district health benefits—Review—Recommendations—Performance grants—Report.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 44.28.190

text:
The joint committee must review the efficacy of the increased density bonus incentive for affordable housing development located on property owned by a religious organization pursuant to chapter 218, Laws of 2019 and report its findings to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2030. The review must include a recommendation on whether this incentive should be continued without change or should be amended or repealed.
[ 2019 c 218 s 4.]

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Review of increased density bonus for affordable housing located on property owned by a religious organization.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 44.28.200

text:
The joint committee must review the efficacy of the apple health and homes program established by chapter 216, Laws of 2022 and report its findings to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2027. The review must include a recommendation on whether this program should be continued without change or should be amended or repealed.
[ 2022 c 216 s 9.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Short title—2022 c 216: See notes following RCW 74.09.885.

catchline: Review of the apple health and homes program.


title: RCW 44.28.210

text:
The joint committee shall conduct an evaluation of the implementation of the thermal energy network pilot project program as outlined in chapter 348, Laws of 2024 and report to the appropriate committees of the legislature on the results of the evaluation no later than three years after June 6, 2024. The report must include an evaluation of how all pilot projects, including those that have been deployed and those that are in the process of deployment, address the considerations outlined in RCW 80.28.460 and 43.31.033.
[ 2024 c 348 s 8.]

catchline: Thermal energy network pilot project program—Evaluation of implementation.


title: RCW 44.28.220

text:
(1) The joint legislative audit and review committee shall conduct a postenactment review of the implementation of chapter 13, Laws of 2026 by November 15, 2032, to determine whether the act has preserved access to vaccines and preventive services and whether vaccine purchases have been made in a cost-effective manner, consistent with the intent of the act as of the effective date. To inform the joint legislative audit and review committee's review, the department of health and the office of the insurance commissioner shall submit available data related to the purpose of the postenactment review to the joint legislative audit and review committee by September 30, 2031.
(2) This section expires January 1, 2033.
[ 2026 c 13 s 6.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2026 c 13: See notes following RCW 43.70.527.

catchline: Preventative health services review. (Expires January 1, 2033.)


title: RCW 44.28.232

text:
(1) By June 30, 2034, but no sooner than five years from the date the department of labor and industries begins disbursing funds from the wage recovery program, the joint committee must conduct a program and fiscal review of the wage recovery program created in RCW 49.48.230. The committee must evaluate the effectiveness of the program and the extent to which the program helped low-wage employees avoid immediate economic harm.
(2) The committee must report its findings to the appropriate committees of the legislature and the governor by December 1, 2035. The report must be prepared in the manner set forth in RCW 44.28.071 and 44.28.075 and may include surveying employees regarding their direct lived experiences with accessing the wage recovery program.
(3) The committee may make recommendations to improve the effectiveness and feasibility of the program.
(4) This section expires July 1, 2036.
[ 2026 c 53 s 4.]

catchline: Wage recovery program—Program and fiscal review. (Expires July 1, 2036.)


title: RCW 44.28.805

text:
During calendar year 2008, the joint legislative audit and review committee shall review the distributions to cities and counties under RCW 43.08.290 to determine the extent to which the distributions target the needs of cities and counties for which the repeal of the motor vehicle excise tax had the greatest fiscal impact. In conducting the study, the committee shall solicit input from the cities and counties. The department of revenue and the state treasurer shall provide the committee with any data within their purview that the committee considers necessary to conduct the review. The committee shall report to the legislature the results of its findings, and any recommendations for changes to the distribution formulas under RCW 43.08.290, by December 31, 2008.
[ 2005 c 450 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2005 c 450: See note following RCW 82.45.060.

catchline: Review of distributions to cities and counties—Report.


title: RCW 44.28.810

text:
The joint committee shall conduct a review of the governor's interagency coordinating council on health disparities and its functions. The review shall be substantially the same as a sunset review under chapter 43.131 RCW. The joint committee shall present its findings to appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2016.
[ 2006 c 239 s 7.]

catchline: Review of governor's interagency coordinating council on health disparities—Report to the legislature.


title: RCW 44.28.819

text:
(1) The joint committee must review enforcement actions, as authorized in RCW 19.373.090, brought by the attorney general and consumers to enforce violations of chapter 191, Laws of 2023.
(2) The report must include, at a minimum:
(a) The number of enforcement actions reported by the attorney general, a consumer, a regulated entity, or a small business that resulted in a settlement, including the average settlement amount;
(b) The number of complaints reported, including categories of complaints and the number of complaints for each category, reported by the attorney general, a consumer, a regulated entity, or a small business;
(c) The number of enforcement actions brought by the attorney general and consumers, including the categories of violations and the number of violations per category;
(e) [(d)] The number of civil actions where a judge determined the position of the nonprevailing party was frivolous, if any;
(f) [(e)] The types of resources, including associated costs, expended by the attorney general, a consumer, a regulated entity, or a small business for enforcement actions; and
(g) [(f)] Recommendations for potential changes to enforcement provisions of chapter 191, Laws of 2023.
(3) The office of the attorney general shall provide the joint committee any data within their purview that the joint committee considers necessary to conduct the review.
(4) The joint committee shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by September 30, 2030.
(5) This section expires June 30, 2031.
[ 2023 c 191 s 13.]

catchline: Review of enforcement actions under the Washington my health my data act—Report. (Expires June 30, 2031.)


title: RCW 44.28.900

text:
If any section, subsection, paragraph or provision of this chapter shall be held invalid by any court for any reason, such invalidity shall not in any way affect the validity of the remainder of this chapter.
[ 1951 c 43 s 16.]

catchline: Severability—1951 c 43.


title: RCW 44.39.010

text:
There is hereby created the joint committee on energy supply, energy conservation, and energy resilience.
[ 2023 c 230 s 308; 2005 c 299 s 1; 2001 c 214 s 30; 1977 ex.s. c 328 s 13; 1969 ex.s. c 260 s 1.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2023 c 230: See note following RCW 43.394.010.
Intent—2005 c 299: "It is the intent of the legislature to utilize lessons learned from efforts to conserve energy usage in single state buildings or complexes and extend conservation measures across all levels of government. Implementing conservation measures across all levels of government will create actual energy conservation savings, maintenance and cost savings to state and local governments, and savings to the state economy, which depends on affordable, realizable electricity to retain jobs. The legislature intends that conservation measures be identified and aggregated within a government entity or among multiple government entities to maximize energy savings and project efficiencies." [ 2005 c 299 s 3.]
Severability—Effective date—2001 c 214: See notes following RCW 80.50.010.
Findings—2001 c 214: See note following RCW 39.35.010.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 328: See note following RCW 43.21G.010.

catchline: Committee created.


title: RCW 44.39.012

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Committee" means the joint committee on energy supply, energy conservation, and energy resilience.
(2) "Conservation" means reduced energy consumption or energy cost, or increased efficiency in the use of energy, and activities, measures, or equipment designed to achieve such results.
[ 2023 c 230 s 309; 2005 c 299 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2023 c 230: See note following RCW 43.394.010.
Intent—2005 c 299: See note following RCW 44.39.010.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 44.39.015

text:
The committee shall consist of four senators and four representatives who shall be selected biennially as follows:
(1) The president of the senate shall appoint four members from the senate to serve on the committee, including the chair of the committee responsible for energy issues. Two members from each major political party must be appointed.
(2) The speaker or co-speakers of the house of representatives shall appoint four members from the house of representatives to serve on the committee, including the chair or cochairs of the committee responsible for energy issues. Two members from each major political party must be appointed.
(3) The committee shall elect a chair and a vice chair. The chair shall be a member of the house of representatives in even-numbered years and a member of the senate in odd-numbered years. In the case of a tie in the membership of the house of representatives in an even-numbered year, the committee shall elect cochairs from the house of representatives in that year.
[ 2001 c 214 s 31; 1977 ex.s. c 328 s 14; 1969 ex.s. c 260 s 2.]
Notes:
Severability—Effective date—2001 c 214: See notes following RCW 80.50.010.
Findings—2001 c 214: See note following RCW 39.35.010.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 328: See note following RCW 43.21G.010.

catchline: Composition—Appointment of members.


title: RCW 44.39.020

text:
Members shall serve until their successors are installed as provided in RCW 44.39.015, as now or hereafter amended, at the next succeeding regular session of the legislature during an odd-numbered year, or until they are no longer members of the legislature, whichever is sooner.
[ 1980 c 87 s 38; 1977 ex.s. c 328 s 15; 1969 ex.s. c 260 s 3.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 328: See note following RCW 43.21G.010.

catchline: Terms.


title: RCW 44.39.025

text:
The presiding officer of the appropriate legislative chamber shall fill any vacancies occurring on the committee by appointment from the same political party as the departing member. Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 44.39.015 as now or hereafter amended, any such appointee shall be deemed installed as a member upon appointment. Members filling vacancies shall serve until they or their successors are installed as provided in RCW 44.39.015, as now or hereafter amended, or until they are no longer members of the legislature, whichever is sooner.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 328 s 16; 1969 ex.s. c 260 s 4.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 328: See note following RCW 43.21G.010.

catchline: Vacancies.


title: RCW 44.39.038

text:
The senate and house committees on energy and utilities shall make continuing studies of the state building code as it relates to energy consumption, conservation and retention and shall submit their recommendations concerning such to the legislature periodically.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 14 s 13.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 14: See RCW 19.27.905.
Energy-related building standards: Chapter 19.27A RCW.

catchline: Study of state building code relating to energy.


title: RCW 44.39.045

text:
The members of the committee shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for their expenses incurred while attending sessions of the committee or any subcommittee of the committee, or while engaged in other committee business authorized by the committee, as provided for in RCW 44.04.120.
[ 1969 ex.s. c 260 s 8.]

catchline: Expenses and per diem.


title: RCW 44.39.050

text:
All expenses incurred by the committee, including salaries and expenses of employees, shall be paid upon voucher forms as provided by the director of financial management and signed by the chair of the committee. Vouchers may be drawn upon funds appropriated generally by the legislature for legislative expenses or upon any special appropriation which may be provided by the legislature for the expenses of the committee.
[ 2009 c 549 s 6015; 1979 c 151 s 156; 1969 ex.s. c 260 s 9.]

catchline: Payment of expenses—Vouchers.


title: RCW 44.39.060

text:
In the discharge of any duty imposed by this chapter, the committee or any personnel acting under its direction shall have the authority to examine and inspect all properties, equipment, facilities, files, records, and accounts of any state office, department, institution, board, committee, commission, or agency; to administer oaths; and to issue subpoenas, upon approval of a majority of the members of the house or senate rules committee, to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of any papers, books, accounts, documents, and testimony, and to cause the deposition of witnesses, either residing within or without the state, to be taken in the manner prescribed by law for taking depositions in civil actions in the superior courts.
In case of the failure of any person to comply with any subpoena issued in behalf of the committee, or on the refusal of any witness to testify to any matters regarding which he or she may be lawfully interrogated, it shall be the duty of the superior court of any county, or of the judge thereof, on application of the committee, to compel obedience by proceedings for contempt, as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from such court or a refusal to testify therein.
Each witness who appears before the committee by its order, other than a state official or employee, shall receive for his or her attendance the fees and mileage provided for witnesses in civil cases in courts of record, which shall be audited and paid upon the presentation of proper vouchers signed by such witness and approved by the chair of the committee.
[ 2010 c 8 s 8001; 2009 c 549 s 6016; 1977 ex.s. c 328 s 17.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 328: See note following RCW 43.21G.010.


title: RCW 44.39.070

text:
(1) The committee shall meet and function at the following times: (a) At least once per year or at anytime upon the call of the chair to receive information related to the state or regional energy supply situation; (b) during a condition of energy supply alert or energy emergency; and (c) upon the call of the chair, in response to gubernatorial action to terminate such a condition. Upon the declaration by the governor of a condition of energy supply alert or energy emergency, the committee shall meet to receive any plans proposed by the governor for programs, controls, standards, and priorities for the production, allocation, and consumption of energy during any current or anticipated condition of energy supply alert or energy emergency, any proposed plans for the suspension or modification of existing rules of the Washington Administrative Code, and any other relevant matters the governor deems desirable. The committee shall review such plans and matters and shall transmit its recommendations to the governor for review. The committee may review any voluntary programs or local or regional programs for the production, allocation, or consumption of energy which have been submitted to the committee.
(2) The committee shall receive any request from the governor for the approval of a declaration of a condition of energy emergency as provided in RCW 43.21G.040 as now or hereafter amended and shall either approve or disapprove such request.
(3) During a condition of energy supply alert, the committee shall: (a) Receive any request from the governor for an extension of the condition of energy supply alert for an additional period of time not to exceed ninety consecutive days and the findings upon which such request is based; (b) receive any request from the governor for subsequent extensions of the condition of energy supply alert for an additional period of time not to exceed one hundred twenty consecutive days and the findings upon which such a request is based; and (c) either approve or disapprove the requested extensions. When approving a request, the committee may specify a longer period than requested, up to ninety days for initial extensions and one hundred twenty days for additional extensions.
(4) During a condition of energy emergency the committee shall: (a) Receive any request from the governor for an extension of the condition of energy emergency for an additional period of time not to exceed forty-five consecutive days and the finding upon which any such request is based; (b) receive any request from the governor for subsequent extensions of the condition of energy emergency for an additional period of time not to exceed sixty consecutive days and the findings upon which such a request is based; and (c) either approve or disapprove the requested extensions. When approving a request, the committee may specify a longer period than requested, up to forty-five days for initial extensions and sixty days for additional extensions.
[ 2005 c 299 s 2; 2002 c 192 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 328 s 18.]
Notes:
Intent—2005 c 299: See note following RCW 44.39.010.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 328: See note following RCW 43.21G.010.

catchline: Meetings—Energy supply alert or energy emergency—Duties.


title: RCW 44.44.010

text:
(1) There is hereby created an office within the legislative branch to be known as the office of the state actuary.
(2) The executive head of the office shall be the state actuary who shall be qualified by education and experience in the field of actuarial science.
[ 1987 c 25 s 1; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 105 s 19.]

catchline: Office of state actuary—Created—Qualifications.


title: RCW 44.44.030

text:
(1) Subject to RCW 44.04.260, the state actuary shall have the authority to select and employ such research, technical, clerical personnel, and consultants as the actuary deems necessary, whose salaries shall be fixed by the actuary and approved by the pension funding council, and who shall be exempt from the provisions of the state civil service law, chapter 41.06 RCW.
(2) All actuarial valuations and experience studies performed by the office of the state actuary shall be signed by a member of the American academy of actuaries. If the state actuary is not such a member, the state actuary, after approval by the select committee, shall contract for a period not to exceed two years with a member of the American academy of actuaries to assist in developing actuarial valuations and experience studies.
[ 2025 c 333 s 3; 2003 c 295 s 14; 2001 c 259 s 11; 1987 c 25 s 2; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 105 s 21.]

catchline: Personnel—Member of American academy of actuaries.


title: RCW 44.44.040

text:
The office of the state actuary shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) Perform all actuarial services for the department of retirement systems, including all studies required by law.
(2) Advise the legislature and the governor regarding pension benefit provisions, and funding policies and investment policies of the state investment board.
(3) Consult with the legislature and the governor concerning determination of actuarial assumptions used by the department of retirement systems.
(4) Prepare a report, to be known as the actuarial fiscal note, on each pension bill introduced in the legislature which briefly explains the financial impact of the bill. The actuarial fiscal note shall include: (a) The statutorily required contribution for the biennium and the following twenty-five years; (b) the biennial cost of the increased benefits if these exceed the required contribution; and (c) any change in the present value of the unfunded accrued benefits. An actuarial fiscal note shall also be prepared for all amendments which are offered in committee or on the floor of the house of representatives or the senate to any pension bill. However, a majority of the members present may suspend the requirement for an actuarial fiscal note for amendments offered on the floor of the house of representatives or the senate.
(5) Provide such actuarial services to the legislature as may be requested from time to time.
(6) Provide staff and assistance to the committee established under RCW 41.04.276.
(7) Provide actuarial assistance to the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 retirement board as provided in chapter 2, Laws of 2003. Reimbursement for services shall be made to the state actuary under RCW 39.34.130 and section 5(5), chapter 2, Laws of 2003.
(8) Provide actuarial assistance to the committee on advanced tuition payment pursuant to chapter 28B.95 RCW, including recommending a tuition unit price to the committee on advanced tuition payment to be used in the ensuing enrollment period. Reimbursement for services shall be made to the state actuary under RCW 39.34.130.
(9) Provide actuarial assistance to the long-term services and supports trust commission pursuant to chapter 50B.04 RCW. Reimbursement for services shall be made to the state actuary under RCW 39.34.130.
(10) Provide actuarial assistance, as requested by the employment security department or the office of financial management, to the employment security department related to the family and medical leave program in Title 50A RCW.
[ 2022 c 233 s 9; 2019 c 363 s 22; 2011 1st sp.s. c 12 s 7. Prior: 2003 c 295 s 4; 2003 c 92 s 2; 1987 c 25 s 3; 1986 c 317 s 6; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 105 s 22.]
Notes:
Effective date—2003 c 92: See RCW 41.26.906.
Legislative findings—Intent—Severability—1986 c 317: See notes following RCW 41.40.150.

catchline: Powers and duties—Actuarial fiscal notes.


title: RCW 44.48.010

text:
There is hereby created a legislative evaluation and accountability program committee which shall consist of four senators and four representatives from the legislature. The senate members of the committee shall be appointed by the president of the senate and the house members of the committee shall be appointed by the speaker of the house. Not more than two members from each house shall be from the same political party. All members shall be appointed before the close of the 1977 session of the legislature and before the close of each regular session during an odd-numbered year thereafter. Members shall be subject to confirmation, as to the senate members by the senate, and as to the house members by the house.
[ 1980 c 87 s 40; 1977 ex.s. c 373 s 1.]

catchline: Committee created—Composition.


title: RCW 44.48.020

text:
The term of office of the members of the committee who continue to be members of the senate and house shall be from the close of the session in which they were appointed or elected as provided in RCW 44.48.010 until the close of the next regular session during an odd-numbered year, or, in the event that such appointments or elections are not made, until the close of the next regular session during an odd-numbered year during which successors are appointed or elected. The term of office of such committee members as shall not continue to be members of the senate and house shall cease upon the convening of the next regular session of the legislature during an odd-numbered year after their confirmation, election, or appointment. Vacancies on the committee shall be filled by appointment by the remaining members. All such vacancies shall be filled from the same political party and from the same house as the member whose seat was vacated.
[ 1980 c 87 s 41; 1977 ex.s. c 373 s 2.]

catchline: Terms of members—Vacancies.


title: RCW 44.48.030

text:
On and after the commencement of a succeeding regular session of the legislature during an odd-numbered year, those members of the committee who continue to be members of the senate and house, respectively, shall continue as members of the committee as indicated in RCW 44.48.020 and the committee shall continue with all its powers, duties, authorities, records, papers, personnel and staff, and all funds made available for its use.
[ 1980 c 87 s 42; 1977 ex.s. c 373 s 3.]

catchline: Continuation of memberships, powers, duties, etc.


title: RCW 44.48.040

text:
The members of the committee shall serve without additional compensation, but shall be reimbursed in accordance with RCW 44.04.120 while attending sessions of the committee or meetings of any subcommittee of the committee, or on other committee business authorized by the committee.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 373 s 4.]

catchline: Travel expenses of members—Reimbursement.


title: RCW 44.48.045

text:
The administration of the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee is subject to RCW 44.04.260.
[ 2001 c 259 s 12.]

catchline: Administration.


title: RCW 44.48.050

text:
Subject to RCW 44.04.260, all expenses incurred by the committee, including salaries and expenses of employees, shall be paid upon voucher forms as provided by the administrator and signed by the chair or vice chair of the committee and attested by the secretary of said committee, and the authority of said chair and secretary to sign vouchers shall continue until their successors are selected after each ensuing session of the legislature. Vouchers may be drawn on funds appropriated by law for the committee: PROVIDED, That the senate and the house may authorize the committee to draw on funds appropriated by the legislature for legislative expenses.
[ 2009 c 549 s 6017; 2001 c 259 s 13; 1977 ex.s. c 373 s 5.]

catchline: Expenses of committee—Vouchers.


title: RCW 44.48.060

text:
The committee shall have the power and duty to appoint its own chair, vice chair, and other officers; and to make rules for orderly procedure.
[ 2009 c 549 s 6018; 1977 ex.s. c 373 s 6.]

catchline: Officers and rules.


title: RCW 44.48.070

text:
The committee shall acquire a data processing service capability under the exclusive jurisdiction and control of the legislature acting through the committee and its administrator for the purpose of providing the legislature and its staff with the type of information required for in-depth analysis and monitoring of state agency expenditures, budgets, and related fiscal matters. The legislative evaluation and accountability program established in this section may be referred to in this chapter as the LEAP administration.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 373 s 7.]

catchline: Committee's duties with respect to data processing capability for fiscal matters—LEAP defined.


title: RCW 44.48.080

text:
To carry out the provisions of RCW 44.48.070 the LEAP administration shall provide for:
(1) Automated databases and application systems in support of legislative requirements to monitor, evaluate, analyze, report, and review;
(2) Maintenance of computer software, application programs, databases, and related documentation;
(3) Education, training, and programming services;
(4) Procedural documentation support; and
(5) Consulting assistance on special projects.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 373 s 8.]

catchline: Duties of LEAP administration.


title: RCW 44.48.090

text:
The committee shall have the following powers:
(1) To have timely access, upon written request of the administrator, to all machine readable, printed, and other data of state agencies relative to expenditures, budgets, and related fiscal matters;
(2) To suggest changes relative to state accounting and reporting systems to the office of financial management or its successor and to require timely written responses to such suggestions; and
(3) Subject to RCW 44.04.260, to enter into contracts; and when entering into any contract for computer access, make necessary provisions relative to the scheduling of computer time and usage in recognition of the unique requirements and priorities of the legislative process.
[ 2001 c 259 s 14; 1979 c 151 s 158; 1977 ex.s. c 373 s 9.]

catchline: Committee's powers.


title: RCW 44.48.100

text:
The committee shall have the power to make reports to the legislature. The committee shall keep complete minutes of its meetings.
[ 1987 c 505 s 46; 1977 ex.s. c 373 s 10.]

catchline: Reports to legislature—Minutes.


title: RCW 44.48.110

text:
Each person who appears before the committee, other than a state official or employee, may upon request receive for attendance the fees and mileage provided for witnesses in civil cases in courts of record in accordance with the provisions of RCW 2.40.010, which shall be audited and paid upon the presentation of proper vouchers signed by such person and approved by the secretary and chair of the committee.
[ 2009 c 549 s 6019; 1977 ex.s. c 373 s 11.]

catchline: Witness fees and mileage.


title: RCW 44.48.120

text:
The committee is hereby authorized and empowered to appoint an officer to be known as the LEAP administrator who shall be the executive officer of the committee and assist in its duties and shall compile information for the committee.
Subject to RCW 44.04.260, the committee is hereby authorized and empowered to select and employ temporary and permanent personnel and fix their salaries.
The duties of the administrator shall be as follows:
(1) To manage the LEAP operations.
(2) To assist the several standing committees of the house and senate; to appear before other legislative committees; and to assist any other legislative committee upon instruction by the committee.
(3) To provide the legislature with information obtained under the direction of the committee.
(4) To maintain a record of all work performed by the administrator under the direction of the committee and to keep and make available all documents, data, and reports submitted to the administrator by any legislative committee.
[ 2001 c 259 s 15; 1977 ex.s. c 373 s 12.]

catchline: LEAP administrator and other assistants—Employment—Duties of LEAP administrator.


title: RCW 44.48.130

text:
The committee is hereby expressly exempted from the provisions of chapter 43.105 RCW.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 373 s 13.]

catchline: Exemption from Washington technology solutions.


title: RCW 44.48.140

text:
The committee shall cooperate, act, and function with Washington state legislative committees and may cooperate with the councils or committees of other states similar to this committee and with other interstate research organizations.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 373 s 14.]

catchline: Cooperation with legislative committees and others.


title: RCW 44.48.150

text:
(1) By January 1, 2009, in collaboration with the office of financial management, using existing databases and structures currently shared, the office of the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee shall establish and make available to the public a searchable state expenditure information website. The state expenditure information website shall provide access to current budget data, access to current accounting data for budgeted expenditures and staff, and access to historical data. At a minimum, the website will provide access or links to the following information as data are available:
(a) State expenditures by fund or account;
(b) State expenditures by agency, program, and subprogram;
(c) State revenues by major source;
(d) State expenditures by object and subobject;
(e) State agency workloads, caseloads, and performance measures, and recent performance audits;
(f) State agency budget data by activity; and
(g) The inventory of state agency fees required by RCW 43.88.585.
(2) "State agency," as used in this section, includes every state agency, office, board, commission, or institution of the executive, legislative, or judicial branches, including institutions of higher education.
(3) The state expenditure information website shall be updated periodically as subsequent fiscal year data become available, and the prior year expenditure data shall be maintained by the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee as part of its ten-year historical budget data.
(4) By January 1, 2014, current and future capital project and transportation project investments must be coded with the geographic information sufficient to permit the public to search and identify appropriation and expenditure data at the parent and subproject level to the extent available by:
(a) State legislative district;
(b) County; and
(c) Agency project identifier.
(5) The office of the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee must, within existing resources, update the state expenditure information website to allow the public to search for capital budget and transportation projects by selecting from an online geographical map. The map must allow an in-depth examination of financial and other data associated with such projects. Data elements must include:
(a) Project title;
(b) Total appropriation;
(c) Project description;
(d) Expenditure data; and
(e) Administering agency.
(6) The website must be easy to use, contain current and readily available data, and allow for review and analysis by the public. The legislative evaluation and accountability program committee must test the website with potential users to ensure that it is easy to navigate and comprehend.
[ 2013 c 327 s 2; 2013 c 63 s 2; 2008 c 326 s 2.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2013 c 63 s 2 and by 2013 c 327 s 2, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Intent—2013 c 327: "The intent of the legislature is to make state capital budget and transportation budget appropriation and expenditure data as transparent and easy to use by the public as is feasible. It is important to provide information to the public on state capital and transportation investments by legislative district and county in a format that is easy to navigate and comprehend. Providing such information contributes to governmental accountability, public participation, agency efficiency, and open government." [ 2013 c 327 s 1.]
Intent—2008 c 326: "The intent of the legislature is to make state revenue and expenditure data as open, transparent, and publicly accessible as is feasible. Increasing the ease of public access to state budget data, particularly where the data are currently available from disparate internal government sources but are difficult for the public to collect and efficiently aggregate, significantly contributes to governmental accountability, public participation, agency efficiency, and open government." [ 2008 c 326 s 1.]

catchline: State expenditure information website—Access to data—Maintenance—Capital and transportation projects—Website testing.


title: RCW 44.48.160

text:
The legislative evaluation and accountability program, in conjunction with the office of financial management, must create a website presentation accessible 24 hours a day beginning August 15th of each year containing the following information:
(1)(a) A summary of each of the following:
(i) The adopted operating budget and supplemental operating budget for the most recent fiscal biennium;
(ii) The adopted capital budget and supplemental capital budget for the most recent fiscal biennium; and
(iii) The adopted transportation budget and supplemental transportation budget for the most recent fiscal biennium;
(b) Every summary required by (a) of this subsection must additionally include:
(i) The numbers of each bill that was part of the budget for that session;
(ii) Access information for each bill on the official legislative website;
(iii) The date that each bill was approved with brief instructions on how to locate roll call votes online; and
(iv) The number of votes cast for and against each bill;
(2) Graphical depictions of funds subject to outlook and a data visualization showing total budgeted funds for the state operating budget by functional areas of government for the most recent biennium;
(3) Tables provided by the office of financial management comparing state and local expenditures with personal income from the most recent fiscal year available to each fiscal year going back 20 years; and
(4) A list, generated by the legislative evaluation and accountability program in coordination with the office of financial management, of every bill for which an analysis was produced in compliance with RCW 43.135.031, and links to the legislative website for each bill on the list so the public may see how legislators voted and instructions for voters on how to locate analyses produced in compliance with RCW 43.135.031.
[ 2023 c 109 s 9.]
Notes:
Findings—2023 c 109: See note following RCW 29A.32.070.

catchline: Website presentation about state budgets.


title: RCW 44.68.010

text:
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Administrative committee" means the joint legislative systems administrative committee created under RCW 44.68.030.
(2) "Center" means the legislative service center established under RCW 44.68.060.
(3) "Coordinator" means the legislative systems coordinator employed under RCW 44.68.040.
[ 2020 c 114 s 9; 2007 c 18 s 1; 1986 c 61 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 114: See note following RCW 28A.175.075.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 44.68.030

text:
(1) The joint legislative systems administrative committee is created to manage the information processing and communications systems of the legislature. The administrative committee consists of five members appointed as follows:
(a) The secretary of the senate, and another senate staff person appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the secretary;
(b) The chief clerk of the house of representatives, and another house of representatives staff person appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the chief clerk; and
(c) The code reviser, or the code reviser's designee, serving in a nonvoting capacity.
(2) The coordinator shall serve as the secretary of the administrative committee.
[ 2007 c 18 s 2; 1986 c 61 s 3.]

catchline: Administrative committee—Membership, coordinator as secretary.


title: RCW 44.68.040

text:
Subject to RCW 44.04.260:
(1) The administrative committee shall employ a legislative systems coordinator. The coordinator shall serve at the pleasure of the administrative committee, which shall fix the coordinator's salary.
(2)(a) The coordinator shall serve as the executive and administrative head of the center, and shall assist the administrative committee in managing the information processing and communications systems of the legislature as directed by the administrative committee;
(b) In accordance with an adopted personnel plan, the coordinator shall employ or engage and fix the compensation for personnel required to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
(c) The coordinator shall enter into contracts for: (i) The sale, exchange, or acquisition of equipment, supplies, services, and facilities required to carry out the purposes of this chapter; and (ii) the distribution of legislative information.
[ 2020 c 114 s 10; 2007 c 18 s 3; 2001 c 259 s 17; 1986 c 61 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 114: See note following RCW 28A.175.075.

catchline: Legislative systems coordinator—Employment, duties.


title: RCW 44.68.050

text:
The administrative committee shall, subject to RCW 44.04.260:
(1) Adopt policies, procedures, and standards regarding the information processing and communications systems of the legislature;
(2) Establish appropriate charges for services, equipment, and publications provided by the legislative information processing and communications systems, applicable to legislative and nonlegislative users as determined by the administrative committee;
(3) Adopt a compensation plan for personnel required to carry out the purposes of this chapter; and
(4) Approve strategic and tactical information technology plans and provide guidance in operational matters required to carry out (a) the purposes of this chapter; and (b) the distribution of legislative information.
[ 2020 c 114 s 11; 2007 c 18 s 4; 2001 c 259 s 18; 1986 c 61 s 5.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 114: See note following RCW 28A.175.075.

catchline: Administrative committee—Powers and duties.


title: RCW 44.68.060

text:
(1) The administrative committee shall establish a legislative service center. The center shall provide automatic data processing services, equipment, training, and support to the legislature and legislative agencies. The center may also, by agreement, provide services to agencies of the judicial and executive branches of state government and other governmental entities, and provide public access to legislative information. All operations of the center shall be subject to the general supervision of the administrative committee in accordance with the policies, procedures, and standards established under RCW 44.68.050.
(2) Except as provided otherwise in subsection (3) of this section, determinations regarding the security, disclosure, and disposition of information placed or maintained in the center shall rest solely with the originator and shall be made in accordance with any law regulating the disclosure of such information. The originator is the person who directly places information in the center.
(3) When utilizing the center to carry out the bill drafting functions required under RCW 1.08.027, the code reviser shall be considered the originator as defined in this section. However, determinations regarding the security, disclosure, and disposition of drafts placed or maintained in the center shall be made by the person requesting the code reviser's services and the code reviser, acting as the originator, shall comply with and carry out such determinations as directed by that person. A measure once introduced shall not be considered a draft under this subsection.
[ 2020 c 114 s 12; 2007 c 18 s 5; 1986 c 61 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 114: See note following RCW 28A.175.075.

catchline: Legislative service center—Duties—Protection of information—Bill drafts.


title: RCW 44.68.065

text:
The legislative service center, under the direction of the joint legislative systems administrative committee, shall:
(1) Develop a legislative information technology portfolio consistent with the provisions of RCW 43.105.341;
(2) Participate in the development of an enterprise-based statewide information technology strategy;
(3) Ensure the legislative information technology portfolio is organized and structured to clearly indicate participation in and use of enterprise-wide information technology strategies;
(4) As part of the biennial budget process, submit the legislative information technology portfolio to the chair and ranking member of the ways and means committees of the house of representatives and the senate, the office of financial management, and Washington technology solutions.
[ 2024 c 54 s 55; 2020 c 114 s 13; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 1 s 411; 2015 c 225 s 96; 2010 c 282 s 8.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 114: See note following RCW 28A.175.075.
Effective date—2015 3rd sp.s. c 1 ss 401-405, 409, 411, and 412: See note following RCW 2.36.057.

catchline: Additional duties of legislative service center.


title: RCW 44.68.080

text:
The information and communications functions of the legislature and legislative agencies are subject to the requirements of this chapter, and the standards, policies, and procedures established under this chapter.
[ 1986 c 61 s 8.]

catchline: Scope of requirements of this chapter.


title: RCW 44.68.085

text:
Subject to RCW 44.04.260, all expenses incurred, including salaries and expenses of employees, shall be paid upon voucher forms as provided and signed by the coordinator. Vouchers may be drawn on funds appropriated by law for the administrative committee and center: PROVIDED, That the senate, house of representatives, and code reviser may authorize the administrative committee and center to draw on funds appropriated by the legislature for related information technology expenses. The senate and house of representatives may transfer moneys appropriated for legislative expenses to the administrative committee and center, in addition to charges made under RCW 44.68.050(2).
[ 2020 c 114 s 14; 2007 c 18 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 114: See note following RCW 28A.175.075.

catchline: Salaries and expenses of employees—Vouchers—Authority to draw on funds—Transfer of moneys.


title: RCW 44.68.090

text:
Members of the administrative committee shall be reimbursed for travel expenses under RCW 44.04.120 or 43.03.050 and 43.03.060, as appropriate, while attending meetings of their respective committees or on other official business authorized by their respective committees.
[ 2020 c 114 s 15; 1986 c 61 s 9.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 114: See note following RCW 28A.175.075.

catchline: Administrative committee members—Travel expenses.


title: RCW 44.68.100

text:
The legislature and legislative agencies through the administrative committee, shall:
(1) Continue to plan for and implement processes for making legislative information available electronically;
(2) Promote and facilitate electronic access to the public of legislative information and services;
(3) Establish technical standards for such services;
(4) Consider electronic public access needs when planning new information systems or major upgrades of information systems;
(5) Develop processes to determine which legislative information the public most wants and needs;
(6) Increase capabilities to receive information electronically from the public and transmit forms, applications and other communications and transactions electronically;
(7) Use technologies that allow continuous access twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week, involve little or no cost to access, and are capable of being used by persons without extensive technology ability; and
(8) Consider and incorporate wherever possible ease of access to electronic technologies by persons with disabilities.
[ 2020 c 114 s 16; 1996 c 171 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 114: See note following RCW 28A.175.075.
Captions not law—Effective dates—1996 c 171: See notes following RCW 2.68.050.

catchline: Electronic access to legislative information.


title: RCW 44.68.105

text:
The administrative committee and center are hereby expressly exempted from the provisions of chapter 43.105 RCW.
[ 2020 c 114 s 17; 2007 c 18 s 7.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 114: See note following RCW 28A.175.075.


title: RCW 44.68.900

text:
This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2007.
[ 2007 c 18 s 10.]

catchline: Effective date—2007 c 18.


title: RCW 44.73.005

text:
The legislature finds that Washington is committed to economic development and supporting the tourism industry, and that economic development is achieved by promoting the state and the goods produced around the state. The legislature further finds that tourism is encouraged providing a memorable experience and an opportunity for visitors to take something back home with them to remind them of this experience. There are many visitors every day to the legislative building, including tourists, school children, and people from around the state visiting the state capitol. These visitors offer an opportunity for the state to showcase its products and history. Therefore, the legislature finds that a gift center in the legislative building would be an appropriate response to this opportunity, and further, that such a gift center could provide a source of revenue to help fund the oral history program and to pay for the restoration and repurchase of historical capitol furnishings.
[ 2007 c 453 s 1.]

catchline: Findings.


title: RCW 44.73.010

text:
(1) There is created in the legislature a legislative gift center for the retail sale of products bearing the state seal, Washington state souvenirs, other Washington products, and other products as approved. Wholesale purchase of products for sale at the legislative gift center is not subject to competitive bidding.
(2) Governance for the legislative gift center shall be under the chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate. They may designate a legislative staff member as the lead staff person to oversee management and operation of the gift shop.
(3) The chief clerk of the house of representatives and secretary of the senate shall consult with the department of enterprise services in planning, siting, and maintaining legislative building space for the gift center.
(4) Products bearing the "Seal of the State of Washington" as described in Article XVIII, section 1 of the Washington state Constitution and RCW 1.20.080, must be purchased from the secretary of state pursuant to an agreement between the chief clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, and the secretary of state.
[ 2015 c 225 s 97; 2007 c 453 s 2.]

catchline: Legislative gift center—Created—Retail sale of products—Governance—Planning.


title: RCW 44.73.015

text:
(1) The legislative gift center is authorized to sell at retail for off-premises consumption wine produced in Washington by a licensed domestic winery. Wine sold by the legislative gift center must: (a) Be sold to individuals twenty-one years of age or older; (b) be sold for personal use and not for resale; and (c) have been purchased from a licensed wine distributor or from a manufacturer authorized to distribute wine of its own production.
(2) The legislative gift center must collect and remit to the department of revenue all applicable state and local taxes on sales of wine.
(3) The legislative gift center must consult with the Washington wine commission to select which Washington wines will be sold. The Washington wine commission must give consideration to award winning wines in assisting the gift center.
[ 2009 c 228 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2009 c 228: See note following RCW 66.12.195.

catchline: Legislative gift center—Selling wine for off-premises consumption—Collection and remittance of all applicable state and local taxes—Consultation with the Washington wine commission.


title: RCW 44.73.020

text:
(1) The legislative gift center account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All moneys received by the gift center from the sale of Washington state souvenirs, other Washington products, and other products as approved shall be deposited in the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the operations and maintenance of the gift center, including the purchase of inventory, and for other purposes as provided in this section. Only the chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate, or the lead staff person designated by them to oversee management and operation of the gift shop, may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.
(2) Net profits, after expenses, from the sale of Washington state souvenirs, other Washington products, and products approved by the legislative gift center, shall be deposited as provided in this subsection:
(a) Twenty-five percent in the legislative oral history account in chapter 44.04 RCW (created in *Substitute House Bill No. 1741);
(b) Twenty-five percent in the oral history, state library, and archives account created in **RCW 43.07.380; and
(c) Fifty percent in the capitol furnishings preservation committee account created in RCW 27.48.040.
(3) Net profits, after expenses, from the sale of items bearing the state seal by the legislative gift center shall be deposited in the capitol furnishings preservation committee account created in RCW 27.48.040. A full accounting thereof shall be provided to the secretary of state.
(4) The legislative gift center may designate special sales, the proceeds of which shall go to an account specified at the time of designation.
[ 2007 c 453 s 3.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) Substitute House Bill No. 1741 was not enacted during the 2007 legislative session. However, Third Substitute House Bill No. 1741 was enacted in 2008 and created the legislative oral history account in RCW 44.04.345.
**(2) RCW 43.07.380 was amended by 2008 c 222 s 13, renaming the "oral history, state library, and archives account" to the "Washington state legacy project, state library, and archives account."

catchline: Legislative gift center account.


title: RCW 44.80.010

text:
The legislature finds that state government should be operated in an efficient and effective manner. It is the intent of the legislature to create the office of legislative support services to make effective and efficient use of the public's resources, improve the delivery and quality of services, standardize practices, and achieve cost savings.
[ 2012 c 113 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2012 c 113: "This act takes effect July 1, 2012." [ 2012 c 113 s 8.]

catchline: Finding—Intent.


title: RCW 44.80.020

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Director" means the director of the office of legislative support services employed under RCW 44.80.040.
(2) "Legislative agencies" means: The joint legislative audit and review committee, the joint transportation committee, the office of the state actuary, the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee, the office of legislative support services, the *joint legislative systems committee, and the statute law committee.
(3) "Office" means the office of legislative support services.
[ 2012 c 113 s 2.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 44.68.020, creating the joint legislative systems committee, was repealed by 2020 c 114 s 1.
Effective date—2012 c 113: See note following RCW 44.80.010.


title: RCW 44.80.030

text:
(1) The office of legislative support services is created to provide administrative and support services to the senate, house of representatives, and legislative agencies. All operations of the office are subject to RCW 44.04.260.
(2) The office shall provide support to the senate, the house of representatives, and legislative agencies for facilities operations, asset management, production services, audiovisual needs, the distribution of information about the legislature and the legislative process to the public, and other administrative or support services of the senate, the house of representatives, and legislative agencies authorized by the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives.
[ 2012 c 113 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2012 c 113: See note following RCW 44.80.010.

catchline: Administrative and support services.


title: RCW 44.80.040

text:
(1) The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives, in consultation with the senate facilities and operations committee and the house executive rules committee, shall employ a director of the office. The director serves at the pleasure of the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives, who shall fix the director's salary.
(2)(a) The director serves as the executive and administrative head of the office.
(b) In accordance with an adopted personnel plan, the director shall employ and fix the compensation for personnel required to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(c) The director may enter into contracts for: (i) The sale, exchange, or acquisition of equipment, supplies, services, and facilities required to carry out the purposes of this chapter; and (ii) the distribution of legislative information.
[ 2012 c 113 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2012 c 113: See note following RCW 44.80.010.

catchline: Duties of director.


title: RCW 44.80.050

text:
Subject to RCW 44.04.260, all expenses incurred, including salaries and expenses of employees, shall be paid upon voucher forms as provided and signed by the director. Vouchers may be drawn on funds appropriated by law for the office. The senate and house of representatives may transfer moneys appropriated for legislative expenses to the office.
[ 2012 c 113 s 5.]
Notes:
Effective date—2012 c 113: See note following RCW 44.80.010.

catchline: Expenses—Vouchers.


title: RCW 44.82.010

text:
(1) The joint select committee on health care and behavioral health oversight is established in statute, continuing the committee created in Engrossed Substitute Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8401 passed in 2013.
(2) The membership of the joint select committee on health care and behavioral health oversight must consist of the following: (a) The chairs of the health care committees of the senate and the house of representatives, who must serve as cochairs; (b) four additional members of the senate, two each appointed by the leadership of the two largest political parties in the senate; and (c) four additional members of the house of representatives, two each appointed by the leadership of the two largest political parties in the house of representatives. The governor must be invited to appoint, as a liaison to the joint select committee, a person who must be a nonvoting member.
(3) The joint select committee on health care and behavioral health oversight must provide oversight between the health care authority, health benefit exchange, the office of the insurance commissioner, the department of health, and the department of social and health services. The goal must be to ensure that these entities are not duplicating their efforts and are working toward a goal of increased quality of services which will lead to reduced costs to the health care consumer.
(4) The joint select committee on health care and behavioral health oversight must, as necessary, propose legislation to the health care committees and budget recommendations to the ways and means committees of the legislature that aids in their coordination of activities and that leads to better quality and cost savings.
(5) This section expires December 31, 2026.
[ 2023 c 10 s 1. Prior: 2014 c 223 s 3.]
Notes:
Finding—2014 c 223: See note following RCW 41.05.690.

catchline: Joint select committee on health care and behavioral health oversight. (Expires December 31, 2026.)


title: RCW 44.90.010

text:
The legislature intends to create the office of state legislative labor relations for the purposes of considering and managing the unique issues raised by legislative collective bargaining. By examining issues set forth in RCW 44.90.030, the office will provide the legislature with a fuller understanding of how the legislature as an employer can best implement legislation for collective bargaining for legislative employees, which would be administered by the public employment relations commission.
[ 2022 c 283 s 1.]

catchline: Intent.


title: RCW 44.90.020

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Collective bargaining" means the performance of the mutual obligations of the employer and the exclusive bargaining representative to meet at reasonable times, except that neither party may be compelled to negotiate during a legislative session or on committee assembly days, to confer and negotiate in good faith, and to execute a written agreement with respect to the subjects of bargaining specified under RCW 44.90.090. The obligation to bargain does not compel either party to agree to a proposal or to make a concession unless otherwise provided in this chapter.
(2) "Commission" means the legislative commission created in RCW 41.58.100 at the public employment relations commission, until the legislative commission expires on December 31, 2027. After December 31, 2027, "commission" means the public employment relations commission created under RCW 41.58.010(1).
(3) "Confidential employee" means an employee designated by the employer: (a) To assist in a confidential capacity, or serve as counsel to, persons who formulate, determine, and effectuate employer policies with regard to labor relations and personnel matters; or (b) who as part of the employee's job duties has authorized access to information that contributes to the development of, or relates to the effectuation or review of, the employer's collective bargaining policies, strategies, or process; or (c) who assists or aids an employee with managerial authority.
(4) "Director" means the director of the office of state legislative labor relations.
(5)(a) "Employee" means:
(i) Any regular partisan employee of the house of representatives or the senate who is covered by this chapter; and
(ii) Any regular employee who is staff of the:
(A) Office of legislative support services;
(B) Legislative service center;
(C) Office of the code reviser who, during any legislative session, does not work full time on drafting and finalizing legislative bills to be included in the Revised Code of Washington; and
(D) House of representatives and senate administrations.
(b) "Employee" also includes temporary staff hired to perform substantially similar work to that performed by employees included under (a) of this subsection.
(c) All other regular employees and temporary employees, including casual employees, interns, and pages, and employees in the office of program research and senate committee services work groups of the house of representatives and the senate are excluded from the definition of "employee" for the purposes of this chapter.
(6) "Employee organization" means any organization, union, or association in which employees participate and that exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of collective bargaining with employers.
(7) "Employee with managerial authority" means any employee designated by the employer who, regardless of job title: (a) Directs the staff who work for a legislative chamber, caucus, agency, or subdivision thereof; (b) has substantial responsibility in personnel administration, or the preparation and administration of the employer's budgets; and (c) exercises authority that is not merely routine or clerical in nature and requires the use of independent judgment.
(8) "Employer" means:
(a) The chief clerk of the house of representatives, or the chief clerk's designee, for employees of the house of representatives;
(b) The secretary of the senate, or the secretary's designee, for employees of the senate; and
(c) The chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate, acting jointly, or their designees, for the regular employees who are staff of the office of legislative support services, the legislative service center, and the office of the code reviser.
(9) "Exclusive bargaining representative" means any employee organization that has been certified under this chapter as the representative of the employees in an appropriate bargaining unit.
(10) "Labor dispute" means any controversy concerning terms, tenure, or conditions of employment, or concerning the association or representation of persons in negotiating, fixing, maintaining, changing, or seeking to arrange terms or conditions of employment with respect to the subjects of bargaining provided in this chapter, regardless of whether the disputants stand in the proximate relation of employer and employee.
(11) "Legislative agencies" means the joint legislative audit and review committee, the statute law committee, the legislative ethics board, the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee, the office of the state actuary, the legislative service center, the office of legislative support services, the joint transportation committee, and the redistricting commission.
(12) "Office" means the office of state legislative labor relations.
(13) "Supervisor" means an employee designated by the employer to provide supervision to legislative employees as part of the employee's regular and usual job duties. Supervision includes directing employees, approving and denying leave, and participating in decisions to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, direct, reward, or discipline employees, or to adjust employee grievances, when the exercise of the authority is not of a merely routine nature but requires the exercise of individual judgment, regardless of whether such duties are the employee's primary duties and regardless of whether the employee spends a preponderance of the employee's time exercising such duties. However, "supervisor" does not include a legislative assistant to a legislator of the senate or house of representatives.
[ 2024 c 333 s 1; 2022 c 283 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 44.90.025

text:
(1) This chapter does not apply to any legislative employee who has managerial authority, is a confidential employee, or who does not meet the definition of employee for the purpose of collective bargaining.
(2) This chapter also does not apply to:
(a) Elected or appointed members of the legislature;
(b) Any person appointed to office under statute, ordinance, or resolution for a specific term of office as a member of a multimember board, commission, or committee;
(c) The deputy secretary of the senate and the deputy chief clerk of the house of representatives;
(d) The senate human resources officer, the human resources director of the house of representatives, and the human resources officers or directors of the legislative support services, legislative service center, and office of the code reviser;
(e) The senate director of accounting and the director of accounting for the house of representatives, and the directors of accounting for the legislative support services, legislative service center, and office of the code reviser;
(f) Caucus chiefs of staff and caucus deputy chiefs of staff;
(g) The speaker's attorney, house counsel, and leadership counsel to the minority caucus of the house of representatives;
(h) The counsels for the senate that provide direct legal advice to the administration of the senate; and
(i) Any employee who provides direct administrative support to the office of the secretary of the senate or chief clerk of the house of representatives, or who conducts accounting, payroll, labor management, collective bargaining, or human resources activities.
[ 2024 c 333 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect May 1, 2024." [ 2024 c 333 s 22.]

catchline: Application of chapter.


title: RCW 44.90.030

text:
(1) The office of state legislative labor relations is created to assist the house of representatives, the senate, and legislative agencies in implementing and managing the process of collective bargaining for employees of the legislative branch of state government.
(2)(a) Subject to (b) of this subsection, the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives shall employ a director of the office. The director serves at the pleasure of the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives, who shall fix the director's salary.
(b) The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives shall, before employing a director, consult with legislative employees, the senate facilities and operations committee, the house executive rules committee, and the human resources officers of the house of representatives, the senate, and legislative agencies.
(c) The director serves as the executive and administrative head of the office and may employ additional employees to assist in carrying out the duties of the office. The duties of the office include, but are not limited to, establishing bargaining teams and conducting negotiations on behalf of the employer.
[ 2024 c 333 s 3; 2022 c 283 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Office of state legislative labor relations—Director.


title: RCW 44.90.040

text:
Collective bargaining negotiations under this chapter shall commence no earlier than May 1, 2024. No collective bargaining agreement entered into under this chapter may take effect prior to July 1, 2025.
[ 2022 c 283 s 4.]

catchline: Collective bargaining—Negotiations and agreement start dates.


title: RCW 44.90.045

text:
(1) As provided by this chapter, the commission or the court shall determine all questions described by this chapter as under the commission's authority. However, such authority may not result in an order or rule that intrudes upon or interferes with the legislature's core function of efficient and effective law making or the essential operation of the legislature, including that an order or rule may not:
(a) Modify any matter relating to the qualifications and elections of members of the legislature, or the holding of office of members of the legislature;
(b) Modify any matter relating to the legislature or each house thereof choosing its officers, adopting rules for its proceedings, selecting committees necessary for the conduct of business, considering or enacting legislation, or otherwise exercising the legislative power of this state;
(c) Modify any matter relating to legislative calendars, schedules, and deadlines of the legislature; or
(d) Modify laws, rules, policies, or procedures regarding ethics or conflicts of interest.
(2) No member of the legislature may be compelled by subpoena or other means to attend a proceeding related to matters covered by this chapter during a legislative session, committee assembly days, or for 15 days before commencement of each session.
[ 2024 c 333 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Commission authority—Interference with the legislature's core function prohibited.


title: RCW 44.90.050

text:
(1) Except as may be specifically limited by this chapter, legislative employees shall have the right to self-organization, to form, join, or assist employee organizations, and to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing for the purpose of collective bargaining free from interference, restraint, or coercion. Legislative employees shall also have the right to refrain from any or all such activities.
(2) Except as may be specifically limited by this chapter, the commission shall determine all questions pertaining to ascertaining exclusive bargaining representatives for legislative employees and collectively bargaining under this chapter. However, no employee organization shall be recognized or certified as the exclusive bargaining representative of a bargaining unit of employees of the legislative branch unless it receives the votes of a majority of employees in the petitioned for bargaining unit voting in a secret election administered by the commission. The commission's process must allow for an employee, group of employees, employee organizations, employer, or their agents to have the right to petition on any question concerning representation.
(3) The commission must adopt rules that provide for at least the following:
(a) Secret balloting;
(b) Consulting with employee organizations;
(c) Access to lists of employees, job titles, work locations, and home mailing addresses;
(d) Absentee voting;
(e) Procedures for the greatest possible participation in voting;
(f) Campaigning on the employer's property during working hours; and
(g) Election observers.
(4)(a) If an employee organization has been certified as the exclusive bargaining representative of the employees of multiple bargaining units, the employee organization may act for and negotiate a master collective bargaining agreement that includes within the coverage of the agreement all covered employees in the bargaining units.
(b) If a master collective bargaining agreement is in effect for the newly certified exclusive bargaining representative, it applies to the bargaining unit for which the new certification has been issued. Nothing in this subsection (4)(b) requires the parties to engage in new negotiations during the term of that agreement.
(5) The certified exclusive bargaining representative is responsible for representing the interests of all the employees in the bargaining unit. This section may not be construed to limit an exclusive bargaining representative's right to exercise its discretion to refuse to process grievances of employees that are unmeritorious.
(6) No question concerning representation may be raised if:
(a) Fewer than 12 months have elapsed since the last certification or election; or
(b) A valid collective bargaining agreement exists covering the unit, except for that period of no more than 120 calendar days nor less than 90 calendar days before the expiration of the contract.
[ 2024 c 333 s 5; 2022 c 283 s 5.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Legislative employees—Collective bargaining—Exclusive bargaining representative—Rules.


title: RCW 44.90.052

text:
(1) The commission, after hearing upon reasonable notice to all interested parties, shall decide, in each application for certification as an exclusive bargaining representative, the unit appropriate for certification. In determining the new units or modifications of existing units, the commission must consider: The duties, skills, and working conditions of the employees; the history of collective bargaining; the extent of organization among the employees; the desires of the employees; and the avoidance of excessive fragmentation. However, a unit is not appropriate if it includes:
(a) Both supervisors and nonsupervisory employees. A unit that includes only supervisors may be considered appropriate if a majority of the supervisory employees indicates by vote that they desire to be included in such a unit;
(b) Both house of representatives and senate employees;
(c) Both partisan and nonpartisan employees;
(d) Employees of the majority party caucus and the minority party caucus, unless a majority of the employees of each caucus indicate by vote that they desire to be included together in the same unit; or
(e) Employees of the legislative service center, office of legislative support services, and the office of the code reviser, in any combination with each other or in any combination with employees of the house of representatives or employees of the senate.
(2) If a single employee organization is the exclusive bargaining representative for two or more units, upon petition by the employee organization, the units may be consolidated into a single larger unit if the commission considers the larger unit to be appropriate. If consolidation is appropriate, the commission shall certify the employee organization as the exclusive bargaining representative of the new unit.
[ 2024 c 333 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Commission to determine units appropriate for certification—Limitations—Consolidation.


title: RCW 44.90.054

text:
(1) The parties to a collective bargaining agreement must reduce the agreement to writing and both execute it.
(2) Except as provided in this chapter, a collective bargaining agreement must contain provisions that provide for a grievance procedure of all disputes arising over the interpretation or application of the collective bargaining agreement and that is valid and enforceable under its terms when entered into in accordance with this chapter.
(3) RCW 41.56.067 applies to this chapter.
(4)(a) If a collective bargaining agreement between an employer and an exclusive bargaining representative is concluded after the termination date of the previous collective bargaining agreement between the employer and an employee organization representing the same bargaining units, the effective date of the collective bargaining agreement may be the day after the termination of the previous collective bargaining agreement, and all benefits included in the new collective bargaining agreement, including wage or salary increases, may accrue beginning with that effective date.
(b) If a collective bargaining agreement between an employer and an exclusive bargaining representative is concluded after the termination date of the previous collective bargaining agreement between the employer and the exclusive bargaining representative representing different bargaining units, the effective date of the collective bargaining agreement may be the day after the termination date of whichever previous collective bargaining agreement covering one or more of the units terminated first, and all benefits included in the new collective bargaining agreement, including wage or salary increases, may accrue beginning with that effective date.
(5) The employer and the exclusive bargaining representative of a bargaining unit of legislative employees may not enter into a collective bargaining agreement that requires the employer to deduct, from the salary or wages of an employee, contributions for payments for political action committees sponsored by employee organizations with legislative employees as members.
[ 2024 c 333 s 7.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Collective bargaining agreements—Grievance procedure—Applicability of RCW 41.56.067—Effective dates—Certain payroll deductions prohibited.


title: RCW 44.90.056

text:
(1) If the parties to a collective bargaining agreement negotiated under this chapter agree to final and binding arbitration under grievance procedures allowed by RCW 44.90.054, the parties may agree on one or more permanent umpires to serve as arbitrator, or may agree on any impartial person to serve as arbitrator, or may agree to select arbitrators from any source available to them, including federal and private agencies, in addition to the staff and list of arbitrators maintained by the commission. If the parties cannot agree to the selection of an arbitrator, the commission must supply a list of names in accordance with the procedures established by the commission.
(2) The authority of an arbitrator shall be subject to the limits and restrictions specified under RCW 44.90.045.
(3) Except as limited by this chapter, an arbitrator may require any person to attend as a witness and to bring with them any book, record, document, or other evidence. The fees for such attendance must be paid by the party requesting issuance of the subpoena and must be the same as the fees of witnesses in the superior court. Arbitrators may administer oaths. Subpoenas must issue and be signed by the arbitrator and must be served in the same manner as subpoenas to testify before a court of record in this state. If any person so summoned to testify refuses or neglects to obey such subpoena, upon petition authorized by the arbitrator, the superior court may compel the attendance of the person before the arbitrator or punish the person for contempt in the same manner provided for the attendance of witnesses or the punishment of them in the courts of this state.
(4) Except as limited by this chapter, the arbitrator shall appoint a time and place for the hearing and notify the parties thereof, and may adjourn the hearing from time to time as may be necessary, and, on application of either party and for good cause, may postpone the hearing to a time not extending beyond the date fixed by the collective bargaining agreement for making the award. The arbitration award must be in writing and signed by the arbitrator. The arbitrator must, promptly upon its rendition, serve a true copy of the award on each of the parties or their attorneys of record.
(5) If a party to a collective bargaining agreement negotiated under this chapter that includes final and binding arbitration refuses to submit a grievance for arbitration, the other party to the collective bargaining agreement may invoke the jurisdiction of the superior court of Thurston county and the court shall have jurisdiction to issue an order compelling arbitration. Disputes concerning compliance with grievance procedures shall be reserved for determination by the arbitrator. Arbitration shall be ordered if the grievance states a claim that on its face is covered by the collective bargaining agreement. Doubts as to the coverage of the arbitration clause shall be resolved in favor of arbitration.
(6) If a party to a collective bargaining agreement negotiated under this chapter that includes final and binding arbitration refuses to comply with the award of an arbitrator determining a grievance arising under the collective bargaining agreement, the other party to the collective bargaining agreement may invoke the jurisdiction of the superior court of Thurston county and the court shall have jurisdiction to issue an order enforcing the arbitration award.
[ 2024 c 333 s 15.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Enforcement of collective bargaining agreements—Arbitrator authority, duties—Superior court of Thurston county jurisdiction.


title: RCW 44.90.060

text:
Nothing contained in this chapter permits or grants to any legislative employee the right to strike, participate in a work stoppage, or refuse to perform their official duties.
[ 2024 c 333 s 8; 2022 c 283 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Right to strike not granted.


title: RCW 44.90.070

text:
(1) Collective bargaining negotiations under this chapter must commence no later than July 1st of each even-numbered year after a bargaining unit has been certified.
(2) The duration of any collective bargaining agreement shall not exceed one fiscal biennium.
(3)(a)(i) The director must submit ratified collective bargaining agreements, with cost estimates, to the employer by October 1st before the legislative session at which the request for funds is to be considered. The transmission by the legislature to the governor under RCW 43.88.090 must include a request for funds necessary to implement the provisions of all collective bargaining agreements covering legislative employees.
(ii) For the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the legislature may approve funding for collective bargaining agreements with the Washington public employees association on behalf of legislative staff that ratified after October 1, 2024, and before December 31, 2024. Subsequent agreements must be submitted to the employer by October 1st before the legislative session at which the request for funds is to be considered in order to be included in the omnibus operating appropriations act.
(b) If the legislature or governor fails to provide the funds for a collective bargaining agreement for legislative employees, either party may reopen all or part of the agreement or the exclusive bargaining representative may seek to implement the procedures provided for in RCW 44.90.075.
(4) Negotiation for economic terms will be by a coalition of all exclusive bargaining representatives. Any such provisions agreed to by the employer and the coalition must be included in all collective bargaining agreements negotiated by the parties. The director and the exclusive bargaining representative or representatives are authorized to enter into supplemental bargaining of bargaining unit specific issues for inclusion in the collective bargaining agreement, subject to the parties' agreement regarding the issues and procedures for supplemental bargaining. This subsection does not prohibit cooperation and coordination of bargaining between two or more exclusive bargaining representatives.
(5) If a significant revenue shortfall occurs resulting in reduced appropriations, as declared by proclamation of the governor or by resolution of the legislature, both parties must immediately enter into collective bargaining for a mutually agreed-upon modification of the agreement.
[ 2025 c 424 s 961; 2024 c 333 s 9; 2022 c 283 s 7.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 424: See note following RCW 9.46.100.
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Negotiation and ratification of collective bargaining agreements—Modification of agreements.


title: RCW 44.90.075

text:
(1) Should the parties fail to reach agreement in negotiating a collective bargaining agreement, either party may request of the commission the assistance of an impartial third party to mediate the negotiations. If a collective bargaining agreement previously negotiated under this chapter expires while negotiations are underway, the terms and conditions specified in the collective bargaining agreement remain in effect for a period not to exceed one year from the expiration date stated in the agreement. Thereafter, the employer may unilaterally implement according to law.
(2) Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit an employer and an exclusive bargaining representative from agreeing to substitute, at their own expense, their own procedure for resolving impasses in collective bargaining for that provided in this section or from agreeing to utilize for the purposes of this section any other governmental or other agency or person in lieu of the commission.
(3) The commission shall bear costs for mediator services.
[ 2024 c 333 s 10.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Failure to reach agreement—Third party involvement—Expiration of agreements during negotiation.


title: RCW 44.90.080

text:
(1) It is an unfair labor practice for an employer in the legislative branch of state government:
(a) To interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed by this chapter;
(b) To dominate or interfere with the formation or administration of any employee organization or contribute financial or other support to it: PROVIDED, That subject to rules adopted by the commission, an employer shall not be prohibited from permitting employees to confer with it or its representatives or agents during working hours without loss of time or pay;
(c) To encourage or discourage membership in any employee organization by discrimination in regard to hire, tenure of employment, or any term or condition of employment;
(d) To discharge or discriminate otherwise against an employee because that employee has filed charges or given testimony under this chapter;
(e) To refuse to bargain collectively with the exclusive bargaining representatives of its employees.
(2) Notwithstanding any other law, the expression of any views, arguments, or opinions, or the dissemination thereof in any form, by a member of the legislature related to this chapter or matters within the scope of representation, shall not constitute, or be evidence of, an unfair labor practice unless the employer has authorized the member to express that view, argument, or opinion on behalf of the employer or as an employer.
(3) It is an unfair labor practice for an employee organization:
(a) To restrain or coerce an employee in the exercise of the rights guaranteed by this chapter: PROVIDED, That this subsection shall not impair the right of an employee organization to prescribe its own rules with respect to the acquisition or retention of membership in the employee organization or to an employer in the selection of its representatives for the purpose of bargaining or the adjustment of grievances;
(b) To cause or attempt to cause an employer to discriminate against an employee in violation of subsection (1)(c) of this section;
(c) To discriminate against an employee because that employee has filed charges or given testimony under this chapter;
(d) To refuse to bargain collectively with an employer.
(4) The expressing of any views, arguments, or opinion, or the dissemination thereof to the public, whether in written, printed, graphic, or visual form, shall not constitute or be evidence of an unfair labor practice under this chapter, if such expression contains no threat of reprisal or force or promise of benefit.
[ 2024 c 333 s 11; 2022 c 283 s 8.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Unfair labor practices.


title: RCW 44.90.085

text:
(1) The commission is empowered and directed to prevent any unfair labor practice and to issue appropriate remedial orders. However, a complaint may not be processed for any unfair labor practice occurring more than six months before the filing of the complaint with the commission or in Thurston county superior court. This power may not be affected or impaired by any means of adjustment, mediation, or conciliation in labor disputes that have been or may hereafter be established by law.
(2) Except as may be specifically limited by this chapter, if the commission or court determines that any person has engaged in or is engaging in an unfair labor practice, the commission or court shall issue and cause to be served upon the person an order requiring the person to cease and desist from such unfair labor practice, and to take such affirmative action as will effectuate the purposes and policy of this chapter, such as the payment of damages.
(3) The commission may petition the Thurston county superior court for the enforcement of its order and for appropriate temporary relief.
[ 2024 c 333 s 12.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Unfair labor practice procedures—Powers and duties of commission.


title: RCW 44.90.090

text:
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the matters subject to bargaining include wages, hours, terms and conditions of employment, and the negotiation of any question arising under a collective bargaining agreement.
(2) The employer shall not bargain over rights of management which, in addition to all powers, duties, and rights established by constitutional provision or statute, shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) Any item listed in RCW 44.90.045(1);
(b) The functions and programs of the employer, the use of technology, and the structure of the organization, including the size and composition of standing committees;
(c) The employer's budget and the size of the employer's workforce, including determining the financial basis for layoffs;
(d) The right to direct and supervise employees;
(e) The hours of work during legislative session and committee assembly days, and the hours of work during the 60 calendar days before the first day of legislative session and during the 20 calendar days after the last day of legislative session. This subsection (2)(e) does not prohibit bargaining over hours of work during any other period and bargaining over compensation for hours of work in excess of a 40-hour workweek, except that bargaining over hours of work during periods not otherwise prohibited and compensation for hours worked in excess of a 40-hour workweek may only occur for agreements that take effect after July 1, 2027;
(f) The cutoff calendar for a legislative session;
(g) The employer's authority to: (i) Lay off employees when there has been a change to the number of members in, or the makeup of, a caucus due to an election or appointment that necessitates a change in the number of staff; (ii) lay off an employee following an election, appointment, or resignation of a legislator; and (iii) terminate an employee for engaging in partisan activities that are incompatible with the employee's job duties or position;
(h) Health care benefits and other employee insurance benefits. The amount paid by a legislative employee for health care premiums must be the same as that paid by a represented state employee covered by RCW 41.80.020(3);
(i) The right to take whatever actions are deemed necessary to carry out the mission of the legislature and its agencies during emergencies; and
(j) Retirement plans and retirement benefits.
(3) Except for an applicable code of conduct policy adopted by a chamber of the legislature or a legislative agency, if a conflict exists between policies adopted by the legislature relating to wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment and a provision of a collective bargaining agreement negotiated under this chapter, the collective bargaining agreement shall prevail. A provision of a collective bargaining agreement that conflicts with a statute or an applicable term of a code of conduct policy adopted by a chamber of the legislature or a legislative agency is invalid and unenforceable.
[ 2024 c 333 s 13; 2022 c 283 s 9.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Scope of bargaining.


title: RCW 44.90.100

text:
(1) Upon authorization of an employee within the bargaining unit and after the certification or recognition of the bargaining unit's exclusive bargaining representative, the employer must deduct from the payments to the employee the monthly amount of dues as certified by the secretary of the exclusive bargaining representative and must transmit the same to the treasurer of the exclusive bargaining representative.
(2)(a) An employee's written, electronic, or recorded voice authorization to have the employer deduct membership dues from the employee's salary must be made by the employee to the exclusive bargaining representative. If the employer receives a request for authorization of deductions, the employer must, as soon as practicable, forward the request to the exclusive bargaining representative.
(b) Upon receiving notice of the employee's authorization, the employer must deduct from the employee's salary membership dues and remit the amounts to the exclusive bargaining representative.
(c) The employee's authorization remains in effect until expressly revoked by the employee in accordance with the terms and conditions of the authorization.
(d) An employee's request to revoke authorization for payroll deductions must be in writing and submitted by the employee to the exclusive bargaining representative in accordance with the terms and conditions of the authorization.
(e) After the employer receives confirmation from the exclusive bargaining representative that the employee has revoked authorization for deductions, the employer must end the deduction no later than the second payroll after receipt of the confirmation.
(f) The employer must rely on information provided by the exclusive bargaining representative regarding the authorization and revocation of deductions.
[ 2024 c 333 s 14.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Employee authorization of membership dues—Revocation.