SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5296
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 3, 2017
Title: An act relating to removing the requirement that an employee must work at least six months before taking vacation leave.
Brief Description: Removing the requirement that an employee must work at least six months before taking vacation leave.
Sponsors: Senators Braun, Ranker and Keiser; by request of Office of Financial Management.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: State Government: 2/03/17.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT |
Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)
Background: The Legislature established a leave system for state employees in 1921. State employees receive at least one day of paid vacation leave per month after being in state employment for six months. Employees whose employment is terminated by their death, reduction in force, resignation, dismissal, or retirement who have accrued vacation leave may cash out their leave under their contract of employment. State employees may accrue no more than 30 working days of unused vacation leave unless an employees request for vacation leave is deferred by reason of the convenience of the employer, in which case the accrued unused vacation leave shall be extended for each month the leave was deferred.
Summary of Bill: State employees may use leave at any time if they have an adequate leave balance.
Employees would be allowed to accrue:
no less than eight hours, instead of one day, of vacation leave with full pay for each month; and
no more than 240 hours, instead of 30 working days, of unused vacation leave.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2017.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Governor wants to be the employer of choice for employees. This issue came up during collective bargaining but we realized that a change in statute would be necessary and so that is why we are here. We believe that these changes allow employees to deal with unforeseen circumstances during their first month of employment and make us more marketable for recruitment and retention.
OTHER: This came about through contract negotiations that occurred last year and the state agreed to make these changes in their contract and now that change is being brought forward to the legislature for ratification. We have no position on the policy but want to make the committee aware of concerns regarding the process. Contracts should not be allowed to reflect changes that are not authorized under the law.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Dennis Eagle, WA Federation of State Employees; Scott Merriman, Office of Financial Management; Seamus Petrie, Washington Public Employees Association. OTHER: Maxford Nelsen, Freedom Foundation.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.