SB 6814

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6814

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 of February 6, 2008

Title: An act relating to paydates for employees participating in state active military duty.

Brief Description: Concerning paydates for employees participating in state active military duty.

Sponsors: Senators Rasmussen, Kilmer, Brandland, Kauffman, Holmquist, Berkey, Eide, Hatfield and Hargrove.

Background: Washington state officers and employees are paid semi-monthly. The first pay period is from the first to the fifteenth of the month. The second pay period is from the sixteenth through the last calendar day of the month. Actual pay dates cannot be later than ten days following the close of each pay period. If the payday falls on a Sunday, the pay date is the following Monday.

The Washington State Guard (WSG) is an all-volunteer unit organized under the Military Department of the State of Washington. The WSG serves under the Governor, serves under state jurisdiction, and cannot be called to serve as an element of the federal armed forces. Washington State Guard members receive pay as state employees when the Governor calls them to State Active Duty. The WSG provides several services to include: supporting civil government authority; protecting and preserving life or property during disasters or emergencies; and responding to search, rescue, or recovery operations. The WSG is separate from the National Guard.

The National Guard (NG) has dual missions: a federal mission and a state mission. The NG is a reserve component of the Armed Forces. Functioning as a federal mission, NG members can be ordered to active duty or full-time NG duty to organize and train and augment federal military operations. Functioning as a state mission, the NG supports the goals of the Governor and is acting in a state capacity as state employees.

Summary of Bill: National Guard and Washington State Guard members who are called to participate in state active duty must be paid: no later than 7 days after the duty has ended; or no later than 7 days after the end of the pay period. The trigger point for the seven days is determined by which event occurs first.

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