The 2015 legislative session began January 12, 2015. This is a 105-day session and the legislature will be writing the 2-year budget this session. WACOPS is pursuing legislation important to you as well as monitoring for potentially damaging legislation.
Membership Meeting
Along with the start of session, last week was our WACOPS general membership meeting. This included our Legislator of the Year ceremony, Day on the Hill and Legislative Reception. Our reception was attended by over 200 elected officials and staff, making it one of the largest in Olympia. During Day on the Hill, officers from around the state visited their local legislators and discussed items on our legislative agenda.
Brady List Bills
Our Brady List bills were dropped in both the House and Senate. HB 1512 is sponsored by Rep. Sells and SB 5589 is sponsored by Sen. O’Ban. This legislation clarifies that an officer’s presence on a Brady List doesn’t provide sole justification for an agency personnel or employment decision. This is one of our top priorities and WACOPS members did an excellent job explaining the bill to legislators during Day on the Hill.
Surviving Spouses
Some of our LEOFF 2 related bills are being heard next week, HB 1194 & SB 5246. This legislation allows the surviving spouse of a LEOFF Plan 2 member killed in the course of employment to remarry and continue receiving workers’ compensation program.
