SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6490

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections, February 2, 2012

Title: An act relating to clarifying the number of employees within certain classifications within the consolidated technology services agency.

Brief Description: Clarifying the number of employees within certain classifications within the consolidated technology services agency.

Sponsors: Senators Pridemore, Carrell, Chase, Conway, Harper, Hobbs, Swecker, Hargrove, Hatfield and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 1/31/12, 2/02/12 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Pridemore, Chair; Prentice, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Chase and Nelson.

Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)

Background: A 2011 act reorganizing many agencies created the Consolidated Technology Services (CTS) agency. CTS employees perform varied computer system and data management services. Most are exempt from state civil service laws.

Summary of Bill: No more that 25 percent of CTS employees may be exempt from state civil service laws.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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: When CTS was created last year, many employees formerly employed in other agencies lost civil service protection and collective bargaining rights. Approximately two-thirds of CTS employees are now exempt from state civil service laws. This bill establishes a proper limit.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Alia Griffins, Jeff Paulsen, WA Federation of State Employees.