Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 2692

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.

Brief Description: Concerning the minimum monthly salary paid to Washington state patrol troopers and sergeants.

Sponsors: Representatives Fey, Hayes, Lovick, Rodne, Irwin, Chapman, Stanford, Ortiz-Self, Sawyer, Muri, Kilduff, Smith, Hargrove, Condotta, Jinkins, Goodman and Tarleton.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires salary levels for troopers and sergeants to be guided by the results of a biennial survey of the average of compensation paid to the corresponding rank from six specified local law enforcement agencies.

Hearing Date: 1/24/18

Staff: Paul Ingiosi (786-7114).

Background:

In 2016 Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2872 made a number of changes concerning the recruitment and retention of Washington State Patrol (WSP) commissioned officers. In addition to an organizational study of the WSP conducted by the Office of Financial Management, a one-time 5 percent compensation increase for troopers, sergeants, lieutenants, and captains, and direction to WSP to develop a comprehensive outreach and marketing strategic plan, the minimum monthly salary paid to WSP troopers and sergeants must have been made competitive with law enforcement agencies within the state on July 1, 2017. Salary levels on July 1, 2017, must also have been guided by the average of compensation paid to the corresponding rank from the Seattle Police Department, King County Sheriff's Office, Tacoma Police Department, Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, Spokane Police Department, and Vancouver Police Department. The comparison data used was accurate as of July 1, 2016. Finally, salary increases for captains and lieutenants that are collectively bargained must also be proportionate to the increases for troopers and sergeants.

Summary of Bill:

A salary survey undertaken in the collective bargaining process of the six specified local law enforcement agencies must now occur each biennium. The results will be used to ensure the minimum monthly salary paid to the WSP troopers and sergeants continues to be competitive with law enforcement agencies within Washington going forward.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 15, 2018.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.