SENATE BILL REPORT
ESHB 2553
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 23, 2012
Title: An act relating to nonvoting labor members of public transportation governing bodies.
Brief Description: Concerning nonvoting labor members of public transportation governing bodies.
Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Moscoso, Liias, Upthegrove, Fitzgibbon, Reykdal, Billig, Sells, Appleton, Ryu and Roberts).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/10/12, 54-42.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/22/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)
Background: Under current law, the governing bodies of certain public transportation agencies must generally include one nonvoting member representing labor. The nonvoting member must be recommended by the labor organization, or organizations, representing the public transportation employees within the respective agency. The nonvoting member must be excluded from attending any executive session held for the purpose of discussing negotiations with labor organizations. Additionally, the governing body's chair or cochairs may exclude the nonvoting member from attending any other executive session.
Summary of Bill: The types of executive sessions during which the nonvoting labor member must be excluded are revised. The nonvoting member must be excluded only from executive sessions the purpose of which is to specifically discuss contract negotiations with labor organizations, personnel matters, potential litigation, litigation, or issues that present a conflict of interest. However, the nonvoting member may not be excluded from attending executives sessions addressing other matters or from attending agency subcommittees and workgroups. The chair or cochairs no longer have discretion to exclude the nonvoting member.
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: Management and labor both gain from dialogue. This bill helps facilitate dialogue between transit management and labor. Current law allows for the arbitrary exclusion of labor representatives from transit board executive sessions.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Moscoso, prime sponsor; Heather Weiner, Teamsters.