SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1711

BYHouse Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Cole, R. King, Winsley, Jacobsen, Wood, Wang, Patrick, Anderson, Wineberry, Walker and Todd)

Creating a crime prevention employee training program for businesses during late night hours.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 28, 1989; March 29, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; McMullen, Murray, Smitherman, Warnke, Williams.

Senate Staff:Patrick Woods (786-7430)

                  March 29, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, MARCH 29, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Many convenience stores and other businesses remain open 24 hours per day.  Training in robbery prevention and other safety precautions are not required by state law.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor and Industries is directed to establish training standards and certify training programs for employees who work in retail establishments between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.  Employees must complete the training course within 90 days of beginning work.  The training program is limited to providing a training manual and attending a seminar or viewing a training video.

Late night retail establishments must post a conspicuous sign which states that the safe on the premises is not accessible to the employees and that the cash register contains $50 or less.  The establishment must also have a drop-safe or comparable device, provide a clear view of the cash register from the street and provide night lighting for parking areas.

A first violation of the training requirements is subject to a written citation.  A first repeat violation is subject to a civil penalty of $100 and subsequent repeat violations are subject to a civil penalty of $500.

Compliance with the crime prevention training program requirements is the sole responsibility of the employer.  "Employer" is defined as the operator, lessee, or franchisee of the late night retail establishment.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 27, 1989

Effective Date:The bill takes effect January 1, 1990.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The crime prevention training program, safety requirements, and penalty provisions are placed under the Washington Industrial and Safety Health Act.  Limited access safe is added to the list of permissible secured devices.

Senate Committee - Testified: Sam Clark, Labor and Industries (pro); Martin Durkan, Kathleen Durkan, Southland Corporation (pro); Joe Daniels, United Food and Commercial Workers Int'l. Union, District Council  17 (pro); Randy Durham, Washington Retail Association (pro)