SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5602
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 6, 2015
Title: An act relating to prohibiting public entities from giving or loaning public funds to bargaining unit representatives for nongovernment functions.
Brief Description: Prohibiting public entities from giving or loaning public funds to bargaining unit representatives for nongovernment functions.
Sponsors: Senators Warnick, Braun, Sheldon, Schoesler, Angel, Bailey and Honeyford.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 2/09/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)
Background: Collective bargaining agreements may contain provisions regarding the ability of union officers and members to participate in formal negotiations, labor management meetings, and other sorts of activities during work hours and without a loss of pay. This type of practice is known as release time, and provisions regarding release time can vary from agreement to agreement. Bargaining agreements may also contain provisions allowing the union to use the employer's facilities and offices for meetings.
Summary of Bill: A public employer cannot enter into or renew a collective bargaining agreement that allows or requires any employee, organization, or third party to receive funds, salary, paid release time, benefits, pension service credit, public facilities, or other forms of public resources from the employer for bargaining representative activities.
A public employer may not enter into an employment contract with any public employee that provides paid leave for bargaining representative activities.
Bargaining representative activities are any activities that advance the bargaining representative's purpose.
The use of compensated personal leave for any personal purpose is not prohibited.
The legislation does not apply to existing employment contracts, but an existing contract may not be renewed or extended if the contract includes terms that conflict with the legislation.
Any bargaining agreement that includes provisions prohibited by the legislation after June 30, 2018, is void.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 6, 2015.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.