SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6098
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 April 28, 2015
Title: An act relating to defining financial feasibility for collective bargaining agreements.
Brief Description: Defining financial feasibility for collective bargaining agreements.
Sponsors: Senator Braun.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 4/29/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Staff: Julie Murray (786-7711)
Background: The Personnel System Reform Act of 2002 (PSRA), contained in Chapter 41.80 RCW, provides for collective bargaining of wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment between the Governor and classified employees of state agencies and between governing boards of institutions of higher education and their classified employees. The Governor is required to submit to the Legislature a request for funds necessary to implement the compensation and fringe benefit provisions of these collective bargaining agreements (CBA) or for legislation necessary to implement these CBAs. However, a request for funds may not be submitted to the Legislature unless (1) the CBA has been submitted to the Office of Financial Management (OFM) Director by October 1 prior to the legislative session at which the request is to be considered and (2) the request for funds has been certified by the OFM Director as being feasible financially for the state.
In addition, limited scope collective bargaining is authorized in Chapter 41.56 RCW between the Governor and certain non-state employee groups such as family child care providers, adult family home providers, individual providers of home care services, and language access providers. Like the PSRA, the Governor must submit to the Legislature a request for funds necessary to implement these CBAs and may not submit a request for funds unless (1) the CBA has been submitted to the OFM Director by October 1 prior to the legislative session at which the request is to be considered and (2) the request for funds has been certified by the OFM Director as being financially feasible or reflective of a binding decision of an arbitration panel.
The term "feasible financially for the state" is not defined in either Chapter 41.80 RCW or Chapter 41.56 RCW.
Summary of Bill: The term "feasible financially for the state" means the total general fund and related fund cost of the CBAs does not exceed the amount of available fiscal resources remaining after projected maintenance level as measured under the state balanced budget requirement.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.