SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6149

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.

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

For the 2019-21 and 2021-23 biennia, WSP salaries for troopers and sergeants are required to be guided each biennium based on the equivalent compensation paid to law enforcement agencies within the state.
Collectively bargained salary increases for captains and lieutenants are required to be proportionate to the increases for troopers and sergeants.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6149 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Hobbs, Chair; Saldaña, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Chase, Cleveland, Dhingra, Fortunato, Liias, McCoy, O'Ban, Sheldon, Takko and Zeiger.

Background: In 2016, E2SHB 2872 made a number of changes concerning the recruitment and retention of Washington State Patrol (WSP) commissioned officers. In addition to an organizational study of the WSP conducted by the Office of Financial Management, a one-time 5 percent compensation increase for troopers, sergeants, lieutenants, and captains, and direction to WSP to develop a comprehensive outreach and marketing strategic plan, the minimum monthly salary paid to WSP troopers and sergeants must have been made competitive with law enforcement agencies within the state on July 1, 2017. Salary levels on July 1, 2017, must also have been guided by the average of compensation paid to the corresponding rank from the Seattle Police Department, King County Sheriff's Office, Tacoma Police Department, Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, Spokane Police Department, and Vancouver Police Department. The comparison data used was accurate as of July 1, 2016. Finally, salary increases for captains and lieutenants that are collectively bargained must also be proportionate to the increases for troopers and sergeants.

Summary of Bill (First Substitute): For the 2019-21 and 2021-23 biennia, WSP salaries for troopers and sergeants are required to be guided each biennium based on the equivalent compensation paid to law enforcement agencies within the state. Collectively bargained salary increases for captains and lieutenants are required to be proportionate to the increases for troopers and sergeants. By January 1, 2023, WSP must provide a report to the Office of Financial Management and the transportation committees of the Legislature on the impact of the salary adjustments provided pursuant to the bill.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (First Substitute): WSP troopers and sergeants will be guided by the salary index to all law enforcement agencies rather than the Seattle Police Department, King County Sheriff's Office, Tacoma Police Department, Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, Spokane Police Department, and Vancouver Police Department. The provisions of the bill are limited to the 2019-21 and 2021-23 biennia. A study of the impact of the salary increases granted pursuant to the bill is required.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: The bill will allow trooper levels to be competitive with local law enforcement. The indexing to the six largest jurisdictions has already had a positive impact on WSP recruitment and retention. This will keep us moving forward.