Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee
HB 1785
Brief Description: Concerning the minimum monthly salary paid to Washington state patrol troopers and sergeants.
Sponsors: Representatives Fey, Barkis, Goodman, Robertson, Rule, Sullivan, Paul and Riccelli.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Eliminates the June 30, 2025, expiration date of requirements to set Washington State Patrol trooper and sergeant salaries to be competitive with other state law enforcement agencies, conduct salary surveys during the collective bargaining process, and provide proportionate salary increases for captains and lieutenants.
Hearing Date: 1/17/22
Staff: Beth Redfield (786-7140).
Background:

Until June 30, 2025, the minimum monthly salary paid to Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers and sergeants must be competitive with law enforcement agencies within the State of Washington guided by the results of a survey undertaken in the collective bargaining process during each biennium.  The salary levels must be guided by the average of compensation paid to the corresponding rank from the police departments and sheriffs' offices of Seattle, King County, Tacoma, Snohomish County, Spokane, and Vancouver.  Increases in salary levels for captains and lieutenants must be proportionate to the increases in salaries for troopers and sergeants resulting from the survey.

 

By December 1, 2024, the Office of Financial Management must report to the Governor and transportation committees of the Legislature on the efficacy of the WSP recruitment and retention efforts.  

 

Both requirements expire June 30, 2025.
Summary of Bill:

The expiration date is eliminated.  Requirements will be ongoing relating to setting trooper and sergeant salaries to be competitive with other state law enforcement agencies, conducting salary surveys during the collective bargaining process, and providing proportionate salary increases for captains and lieutenants.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 11, 2022.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.