SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1878
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 March 16, 2009
Title: An act relating to transfers of accumulated leave of employees of the state school for the blind and the school for the deaf.
Brief Description: Authorizing the transfer of accumulated leave of employees of the state school for the blind and the school for the deaf.
Sponsors: Representatives Jacks, Driscoll, Maxwell, Wallace, Quall, Green, Darneille, Moeller and Kenney; by request of Washington State School for the Blind.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/06/09, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Ways & Means:
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Staff: Jenny Greenlee (786-7711)
Background: State and school district employees earn leave time for vacations, illness, and other purposes. Accumulated leave of certificated and classified employees is transferrable to and from one school district to another, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Educational Service Districts (ESDs).
In 2008 the Legislature extended this transferability to the K-12 and higher education schools. However, K-12 and ESD employees cannot transfer their accumulated leave if they accept employment at the Washington State School for the Blind or the Washington School for the Deaf, which are state agencies. Similarly, employees of these schools lose their accumulated leave if they transfer to a K-12 school or ESD.
Summary of Bill: The transfer of accumulated leave of K-12 and ESD employees to and from the Washington State School for the Blind and School for the Deaf is authorized.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (on companion SB 5650): PRO: This bill provides a great recruiting tool for the School for the Blind and School for the Deaf. It will provide flexibility and help attract teachers to these highly specialized positions.
OTHER: The bill contains language limiting the rate at which employees can accumulate leave. The union employees at the schools may wish to bargain for more leave instead of salary increases and this bill might limit their ability to bargain.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Dean Stenehjem, Washington State School for the Blind; Rick Hauan, Washington School for the Deaf.
OTHER: Lorana Myers, Washington Federation of State Employees.