| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee | |
SSB 5511
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.
Brief Description: Requiring state agencies to allow volunteer firefighters to respond when called to duty.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Sheldon, Kastama, Clements, Rasmussen and Shin).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/28/07
Staff: Colleen Kerr (786-7168).
Background:
The Director of the Department of Personnel determines when a state employee must be granted
leave with pay, and when the employer has discretion whether or not to grant leave with pay.
Employers have discretion over whether to grant leave with pay to state employees volunteering
in firefighting, search and rescue efforts, and donating blood.
Private sector employers may not discharge or discipline a volunteer firefighter or reserve officer
who has taken leave to respond to an alarm of fire or an emergency call.
Summary of Bill:
An agency must allow an employee who is a volunteer firefighter to respond, without pay, to a
fire, natural disaster, or medical emergency when called to duty. The agency may choose to grant
leave with pay.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on March 27, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.