Passed by the Senate February 13, 2014 YEAS 47   ________________________________________ President of the Senate Passed by the House March 7, 2014 YEAS 97   ________________________________________ Speaker of the House of Representatives | I, Hunter G. Goodman, Secretary of the Senate of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 6046 as passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on the dates hereon set forth. ________________________________________ Secretary | |
Approved ________________________________________ Governor of the State of Washington | Secretary of State State of Washington |
State of Washington | 63rd Legislature | 2014 Regular Session |
READ FIRST TIME 01/23/14.
AN ACT Relating to whistleblowers; and adding a new section to chapter 49.60 RCW.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1 A new section is added to chapter 49.60 RCW
to read as follows:
(1) When the commission has completed the investigation of a
complaint alleging workplace reprisal or retaliatory action against a
whistleblower as defined in chapter 70.87 RCW, the commission must
notify the complainant of the completion of the investigation. The
commission must issue written findings of fact and a finding that there
is or there is not reasonable cause for believing an unfair practice
has been or is being committed as required by RCW 49.60.240 within
ninety days of notification of the completed investigation.
(2) If the individual filing a complaint alleging workplace
reprisal or retaliatory action against a whistleblower under chapter
70.87 RCW is represented by a labor union, the commission must notify
the union of the complaint and the results of the investigation.
(3) If, after a finding is made that there is reasonable cause for
believing that an unfair practice has been or is being committed
against a whistleblower under chapter 70.87 RCW, no agreement is
reached for the elimination of the unfair practice within six months,
a finding to that effect must be made and reduced to writing, with a
copy provided to the complainant, the complainant's labor union, and
the respondent. The commission, in the exercise of discretion, may
grant additional time to seek agreement for the elimination of the
unfair practice based on extenuating facts and circumstances.