SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5879

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 Passed Senate, March 13, 2007

Title: An act relating to payroll deductions for retiree organization dues.

Brief Description: Authorizing payroll deductions for retiree organization dues.

Sponsors: Senators Fairley, Roach, Benton, Kohl-Welles, Murray, Swecker, Kline, Keiser, Schoesler, Fraser, Jacobsen and Rockefeller.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/27/07 [DP].

Passed Senate: 3/13/07, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Kline, Pridemore and Swecker.

Staff: Amy Van Horn (786-7784)

Background: State employees may have regular payments deducted from their paychecks for certain purposes. These include deductions for parking fees, banks and credit union payments, membership dues to professional organizations, and contributions to the Washington State Combined Fund Drive.

Labor and employee organization dues and contributions may be deducted under some circumstances. First, the payroll deduction must not be provided for under a collective bargaining agreement. Second, payroll deductions to that organization must have been requested by either 25 people in one agency, or at least 100 people in several agencies. Deductions for employee benefit programs are also permitted to labor and employee organizations with 500 or more members in state government.

Summary of Bill: Payroll deductions are permitted for retiree organization dues under the same circumstances as deductions to labor and employee organizations.

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: PRO: Last year the Legislature passed a law restoring the right of public employees to have deductions from their paychecks to political action committees. This bill adds the ability to deduct contributions to retiree organizations.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Beth Hermanson, Washington Retired Public Employees Council.