SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5826

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:

Governmental Operations, January 21, 2014

Title: An act relating to the shared leave pool.

Brief Description: Addressing the shared leave pool.

Sponsors: Senators Conway, Hobbs, Litzow, Rolfes, Dammeier, Eide, Kohl-Welles and Kline.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 1/21/14 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Member; Conway, Dansel and McCoy.

Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)

Background: In 2007 the Legislature created the Uniformed Service Shared Leave Pool (Pool) to provide support solely for state employees called to military duty. Leave may not be granted from the Pool unless the Pool has sufficient balance to fund the requested leave for the expected term of service. Shared leave paid under the Pool, in combination with military salary, may not exceed the level of the employee's state monthly salary. Military salary includes base, specialty, and other pay, but does not include other allowances, such as a housing allowance. Monthly salary includes special pay and shift differential, but does not include overtime pay, call-back pay, standby pay, or performance bonuses. Employees requesting leave from the Pool must provide earnings information to the Department of Personnel. Employees of school districts and educational service districts are not eligible to donate leave to or receive leave from the Pool.

Summary of Bill: Employees of school districts and educational service districts may participate in the Pool.

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: Shared leave is a valuable practice because it allows employees to help each other out by transferring leave. This program has been used considerably and there are requests in state employee magazines for shared leave.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Conway, prime sponsor.