HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1127


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 House Committee On:
State Government & Tribal Affairs

Title: An act relating to military leave of absence.

Brief Description: Extending military leaves for public employees.

Sponsors: Representatives Morrell, Campbell, Green, VanDeWege, Sells, Takko, McDonald, Blake, Moeller, Kenney, Appleton, Flannigan, Hunt, Conway, Lantz, Kagi, Linville, Chase, Wallace, Ormsby, Haigh, Simpson, Hurst, P. Sullivan, Kelley, Rolfes, McCune, Haler and Santos.

Brief History:

State Government & Tribal Affairs: 1/23/07, 1/24/07 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Extends military leave of absence from 15 to 30 days each year.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Green, Kretz, McDermott, Miloscia and Ormsby.

Staff: Alison Hellberg (786-7152).

Background:

Any officer or employee of the state or local government, who is a member of the Washington National Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps Reserves of the United States or of any organized reserve or armed forces of the United States, is entitled to 15 days of military leave of absence from employment each year.

The leave is granted so the person may report for active duty or active training duty and is in addition to vacation or sick leave. Taking leave will not result in any loss of efficiency rating, privileges, or pay. The employee receives his or her normal pay during this leave.


Summary of Bill:

Military leave of absence is extended from 15 to 30 days each year.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This issue was brought to my attention by a police officer who is in the National Guard. Because of the increased training requirements, the existing 15 days of military leave is not enough. This police officer had to take sick leave in order to fulfill his training requirements. This is a difficult issue and may be difficult to pay for, but something the committee should address.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Morrell, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.