SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2403

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.

Sponsors: House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell, Kelley, Armstrong, Bailey, Hope, O'Brien, Klippert, Morris, Hurst, Hunt, Green, Roberts, Sells, McCune, Campbell, Nelson, Rolfes, Chase, Smith, Appleton, Maxwell, Sullivan, Dammeier, Upthegrove, Carlyle, Conway, Simpson, Orwall, Kenney, McCoy, Ormsby, Kretz and Haigh; by request of Military Department).

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; McDermott and Pridemore.

Background: An officer or employee of the state or local government, who is a member of: the Washington National Guard; a reservist with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard or Marine Corps; or of any organized reserve or armed forces of the United States, is entitled to 21 days of military leave of absence from employment each year. This leave is granted so the military member may report for active duty or active training duty. The member will still receive normal pay during this leave; taking leave will not result in any loss of efficiency rating, privileges, or pay.

The Ready Reserves is comprised of military members of the Reserve and National Guard, organized in units or as individuals. Each member, reservist or National Guard, must perform a minimum number of training days annually. A member must participate in at least 48 scheduled drills or training periods during each year and serve on active duty for training at least 14 days, but not more than 30 days each year.

Summary of Bill: Military leave of absence is granted so that the member, reservist or National Guard, may report for required military duty, training, or drills. The officer or employee can only be charged military leave for days the officer or employee is scheduled to work for the state or the county, city, or other political subdivision.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: House committee made a very slight change to the bill to reinforce that military leave in the bill refers to only public employment. Washington Federation of State Employees supports this bill for their many members who are in the active reserve. This allows employees to spend their annual leave with their loved ones instead of on military training.