HOUSE 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 Reported by House Committee On:
Local Government
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: 2/20/18, 2/21/18 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Appleton, Chair; McBride, Vice Chair; Griffey, Ranking Minority Member; Gregerson and Peterson.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Taylor.
Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).
Background:
Boards of county commissioners (board) may establish employee safety award programs to reward and encourage the safe performance of assigned duties of county employees.
Under a program, a board may authorize every department head and officer of county government to make the determination as to who should receive an employee safety award. Awards are distributed annually from the county general fund according to the following schedule based upon safe and accident-free performance:
5 years = $2.50;
10 years = $5.00;
15 years = $7.50;
20 years = $10.00;
25 years = $12.50; and
30 years = $20.00.
A board may give department heads and county officers the discretion to purchase a noncash award of equal value in lieu of the cash award. If a noncash award is given, the warrants must be made payable to the business where the award is purchased. Safety awards made to persons whose safe and accident-free performance has directly benefited the county road system are paid from the county road fund by warrant.
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Summary of Bill:
The county employee safety award program is eliminated. Instead, each board may recognize employees individually or as a class for outstanding achievements, safety performance, longevity, public service, or service. Rewards may not exceed $200 in value and may be given in cash or noncash items that include, but are not limited to pins, certificates, clocks, and calculators.
A board must establish award criteria and the methods for funding any awards program. Funding for the awards may be as a direct cost within a board's own budget or as an internal service provided to its office and department, with the costs allocated to them through an appropriate internal service fund.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Although the statute sets a maximum amount of $20 for awards, many counties have provided awards over that amount. This bill aligns the county award programs with the awards that the State of Washington provides which are set at a maximum of $200. This bill will give counties the tools they need to recognize the great workforce that they have in local government.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Takko, prime sponsor; and Katie Gerard, Thurston County.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.