WACOPS Legislative Update – Week 9 3/13/15

Workplace

Brady List: HB 1512 – We are currently working on securing a hearing on the Brady List bill in the Senate Law & Justice Committee.

Fish & Wildlife: SB 5763 – The Fish & Wildlife collective bargaining bill passed out of the Senate on a 44-4-1 vote. The bill was amended in the Senate to remove interest arbitration but there are efforts to further amend the bill. The bill received a hearing in the House on Wednesday, the 12th.

Criminal Justice

Alicia’s Law: SB 5215 – HB 1281 – The House version of Alicia’s Law had a Senate hearing on the 12th. The Senate version is currently set for a House hearing on Monday, the 16th. We are working with both sponsors to arrive at legislation that supports the ICAC Task Force and investigator training.

DOC: SB 5783 – The bill that authorizes officers to assist DOC with supervision of offenders has a hearing on the 17th and is scheduled for executive session on the 20th.

Sheena and Chris Henderson’s Law: HB 1448 – The bill affecting suicide response procedures is set for a Senate hearing on the 17th.

Pension/Benefits

Spousal Death Benefit: HB 1194 – The bill was referred to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee and hasn’t yet been scheduled for a hearing. The bill generated a large fiscal note which is worrisome given the difficult fiscal environment.

Deferred Comp: SB 5435 – The bill was never pulled to the Senate floor and died in the Rules committee.

PEBB: HB 1740 – This bill would permit counties and political subdivisions with fewer than 5,000 employees join the Public Employees’ Benefits Board (PEBB) health care program. It passed out of the House with a 92-6-0 vote and was referred to the Senate Health Care Committee.

LEOFF 1: SB 5873 – This bill would afford LEOFF 1 retirees an open window to choose spousal survivor benefits. It passed out of the Senate with a 49-0-0 vote and was referred to the Appropriations Committee.