SB 5474 - H AMDS TO H AMD (H-2445.2/93)

By Representative Springer

On page 1, after line 30, insert the following:

"Creating and maintaining employment environments that are free of discrimination is of vital concern to the people of this state. The legislature finds and declares that all employees are entitled to a workplace that is free from discrimination. The legislature finds there are significant economic and social costs resulting from employment discrimination. The legislature finds that a workplace free from discrimination is of significant benefit to employers and that educating and training employers and employees about the types of actions that constitute discrimination continues to be important."

On page 4, line 6, after "employs" strike all material through "profit" on line 8 and insert "((~~eight~~)) one or more persons, and does not include any religious ((~~or sectarian organization not organized for private profit~~)) corporation, association, educational institution, or society with respect to the employment of individuals of a particular religion to perform work connected with the carrying on by such corporation, association, educational institution, or society of its activities"

On page 6, after line 5, insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. A new section is added to chapter 49.60 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The commission shall make available an informational brochure designed to help employers engage in employment without discrimination. The commission may utilize existing informational materials with any changes necessary to reflect the policies embodied in sections 1 and 4 of this act. The commission is encouraged to consult with representatives of small business to ensure that the brochure is useful and practical to employers of seven or fewer employees.

(2) The commission shall hold educational seminars throughout the state to explain to interested employers how to engage in employment without discrimination.

(3) The commission is authorized to charge fees to participants for the services required to be provided under this section. The fees shall be sufficient to cover the costs of the programs and materials offered."

Renumber the remaining sections consecutively and correct internal references accordingly.

On page 20, after line 4, insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 26. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1993."

EFFECT: The amendment applies the freedom from discrimination statute to employers who employ one or more persons. The exemption from the employment discrimination provisions for religious organizations is narrowed to provide that religious organizations are not "employers" with respect to the employment of individuals of a particular religion to carry out the activities of the organization.

The Human Rights Commission is required to make available an informational brochure designed to help employers comply with discrimination laws. The commission is encouraged to consult with representatives of small business to ensure that the brochure is useful and practical to small employers. The commission is also required to hold educational seminars across the state to explain the discrimination laws. The commission is authorized to charge fees for these services and the fees shall be sufficient to cover the costs of the programs and materials. An emergency clause is added providing that the bill takes effect July 1, 1993.