SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6116
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:
Commerce & Labor, February 3, 2016
Title: An act relating to educational employees' benefits and compensation during strikes and work stoppages.
Brief Description: Prohibiting the use of sick leave benefits, compensation, or health benefits for educational employees during a strike or work stoppage.
Sponsors: Senators Sheldon, Baumgartner, Hewitt, Braun, Rivers, Becker, Ericksen, Schoesler and Honeyford.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 5/19/15, 2/03/16 [DP, DNP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Baumgartner, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; King and Warnick.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senators Hasegawa, Ranking Minority Member; Conway and Keiser.
Staff: Jarrett Sacks (786-7448)
Background: Current law requires every school district board of directors to fix, allow, and order paid salaries and compensation for all certificated school district employees.
Summary of Bill: Funds appropriated for teacher compensation, including salary and fringe benefits, cannot be expended during the time an employee engages in a strike or work stoppage.
School districts may require a signed statement from a licensed health care provider that an employee's absence was due to illness or injury.
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: Students need to be educated, and strikes harm their education. Teacher strikes put burdens on families. This bill is part of a good approach to solve the issue. Small business taxes go to schools, and those same businesses are forced to scramble due to strikes.
CON: Teachers work hard for many hours and deserve to be paid accordingly. The strikes are a means to get paid what they deserve.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Gary Smith, citizen
CON: Heather Gow, elementary school student; Su Gow, parent.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.