SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5205

                    As of January 24, 1995

Title:  An act relating to state patrol wage bargaining.

Brief Description:  Providing for state patrol wage bargaining.

Sponsors:  Senator Prentice.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  1/26/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Mary McLaughlin (786-7309)

Background:  Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers have collective bargaining rights for non-wage related issues under the public employees collective bargaining statutes.  However, troopers do not have the statutory authority to bargain for salaries or other issues related to salaries (overtime, standby time, call-out time, salary incentives, etc.).

Summary of Bill:  A process is created that allows the Washington State Troopers Association (WSPTA) to bargain with State Patrol management for non-wage related matters, and representatives from the Office of Financial Management (OFM) for wages. 

Once an agreement is reached between the Troopers Association and OFM, a request for funding to implement the wage-related provisions of the agreement is included in the Governor's budget proposal if an agreement is reached prior to convening a legislative session.  If an agreement is reached during session, a request for funding must be submitted by the Governor to the Legislature within ten days of the agreement or determination. 

If the Legislature approves funding in an amount different than that requested in the Governor's budget proposal, the Association, OFM and Patrol Management return to the bargaining table to begin negotiations on a contract within ten days.  In the event an agreement cannot be reached, the issue is presented for final and binding arbitration in accordance with the current collective bargaining procedures for uniformed personnel.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.