SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6079
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 of January 23, 2012
Title: An act relating to exempting officers and employees of the Washington state institute for public policy from state civil service law.
Brief Description: Exempting officers and employees of the Washington state institute for public policy from state civil service law.
Sponsors: Senators Schoesler, Fraser, Kohl-Welles, Carrell, Murray and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 1/17/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)
Background: The Legislature created the Washington State Institute for Public Policy in 1983. It conducts non-partisan policy research at the Legislature's direction.
The Institute is governed by a board of directors that includes representatives of the Legislature, Governor, and public universities. The Evergreen State College (TESC) provides fiscal and administrative services, and Institute personnel are funded in TESC's budget.
Unless exempted in statute, state government personnel are subject to state civil service law. Legislative staff and many higher education positions are statutorily exempt. Historically, Institute staff have been classified as exempt, but they are not specifically exempted in statute.
Summary of Bill: Officers and employees of the Washington State Institute for Public Policy are exempted from state civil service law.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Legislation enacted last year created uncertainty regarding the exempt status of Institute staff. This bill removes that uncertainty. Staff of other entities that provide analysis to the Legislature, including the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee, are exempt from civil service law.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Julie Graves, The Evergreen State College; Steve Aos, Washington Institute for Public Policy.