SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6088

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 Passed Senate, February 13, 2018

Title: An act relating to employee recognition awards.

Brief Description: Concerning employee recognition awards.

Sponsors: Senators Takko and Short.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Local Government: 1/11/18, 1/11/18 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed Senate: 2/13/18, 46-1.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Replaces the county employee safety award program with employee recognition awards.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Takko, Chair; Short, Ranking Member; Angel and Liias.

Staff: Greg Vogel (786-7413)

Background: A board of county commissioners (board) may establish an employee safety award program to reward and encourage the safe performance of assigned duties by county employees. Under the program, the board may authorize every department head and other officer of the county government who oversees or directs county employees to make the determination as to whether an employee safety award will be made. Employee safety awards are to be made annually from the county general fund according to the following schedule based on safe and accident-free performance:

number of years

amount

5

$2.50

10

$5.00

15

$7.50

20

$10.00

25

$12.50

30

$20.00

The board may also give department heads and other officers the discretion to purchase noncash awards in lieu of cash awards. Safety awards made to persons whose safe and accident-free performance has directly benefited the county road system are to be made from the county road fund.

Summary of Bill: The county employee safety award program is eliminated, and boards are now authorized to give employee recognition awards. A board may recognize employees, either individually or as a class, for accomplishments including outstanding achievements, safety performance, longevity, public service, or service as employee suggestion evaluators and implementers. Recognition awards may be up to $200 in value, and may include cash or commemorative items.

The board is required to establish award criteria and a method for funding the awards program. The funding method may be as a direct cost within its own budget or as an internal service provided to its office and department, the costs allocated to them through an appropriate internal service fund.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: More recognition than a pat on the back is deserved for the hard work of county employees. This bill cleans things up to get programs in compliance and expands them to honor the work that county employees do for the citizens they serve.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Dean Takko, Prime Sponsor; Katie Gerard, Director of Human Resources for Thurston County.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.