SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5235
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Security, February 12, 2015
Note: Senate Resolution 8609 adopted January 27, 2015, renamed the Committee on Government Operations & State Security to Committee on Government Operations & Security
Title: An act relating to requiring a state resident preference for all newly hired state classified employees and lower level Washington management service employees.
Brief Description: Requiring a state resident preference for all newly hired state classified employees and lower level Washington management service employees. [Revised for 1st Substitute: Requiring a state resident preference on competitive examinations for public employment.]
Sponsors: Senators Sheldon, Rivers and Angel.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Security (Note: Senate Resolution 8609 adopted January 27, 2015, renamed the Committee on Government Operations & State Security to Committee on Government Operations & Security): 1/27/15, 2/12/15 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & SECURITY |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5235 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Benton, Vice Chair; Pearson, Vice Chair; Liias, Ranking Minority Member; McCoy.
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: The state civil service law provides for establishment of the state's personnel administration system based on merit principles and scientific methods governing the appointment, promotion, transfer, recruitment, retention, classification, removal, discipline, training, and welfare of state employees. It applies to state agencies and employees, unless expressly excluded or exempt. The Human Resources Director within the Office of Financial Management (OFM) adopts civil service rules regarding the state salary schedule, hours of work, training, transfers, promotions, layoffs, reemployment, and other subjects.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): State residents receive a two-point benefit in competitive examinations for public employment.
Every state agency employing 100 or more people must submit an annual report to OFM, sending copies to the Superintendent of Public Instruction and state university and college administrators, with the following information:
the number of employees hired during the previous calendar year;
the number of employees hired from out of state;
a list of reasons the jobs could not be filled by a state resident;
the number of planned hires for the current year; and
opportunities for internships for job types with a history of being filled by out-of-state residents.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & SECURITY COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): The requirement that state agencies may only review the applications of out-of-state residents for open positions if fewer than three state resident applicants meet the minimum job requirements and do not have an unsatisfactory work record or significant recent criminal record is removed.
State residents receive a two-point benefit in competitive examinations for public employment.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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 Proposed Substitute as Heard in Committee: PRO: This bill provides a useful tool to know how many out-of-state residents are being hired. The list of reasons jobs aren’t filled will be useful to our community colleges, universities, and K–12 institutions. We all want to see the best person for the job in state government, and this bill puts the emphasis on hiring state residents.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Sheldon, prime sponsor.