AWC Legislative Bulletin - Volume 30, No. 4
January 26, 2007  (Plain Text Version)

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In this issue:
What You Need to Know Now
From the Director - State of the Cities: Economic Development Report
City Legislative Action Conference (CLAC)
Energy & Telecommunications
Environment & Water
General Local Government
Infrastructure, Transportation & Economic Development
Land Use & Housing
Law & Justice
Municipal Finance
Personnel & Labor Relations
Online Legislative Advocacy Tools
AWC Legislative Contacts & Board of Directors

Personnel & Labor Relations

Six-Year Collective Bargaining Agreements (SB 5251)

The Senate Labor, Commerce, Research & Development Committee heard SB 5251 on Thursday, January 25. AWC testified in favor of the bill, which would allow local governments and their unions to bargain labor contracts with terms of up to six years, instead of the current maximum term of three years.

Similar legislation was passed last year but vetoed by the Governor because it impacted a few state employee groups. SB 5251 is limited to local governments. A representative of the Governor’s office testified on Thursday, noting they have no concerns with the bill. Representatives of the Teamsters and the State Council of City and County Employees testified in support of the bill. School employees also testified, requesting that they be included in the bill. AWC does not oppose this change, but we want to insure the bill is passed and signed by the Governor.

Military Leaves for Public Employees (HB 1127)

The State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee heard this bill one day earlier than originally scheduled, and then passed the bill out of Committee on Wednesday, January 24.

This bill would increase the amount of paid military leave that would be provided to public employees from fifteen days to thirty days. Because of the fiscal impact, we assume the bill will now be referred to the House Appropriations Committee, but that action has not yet been taken.

Retiree Medical for LEOFF 2 (HB 1678/SB 5589)

These companion bills were introduced on January 24 at the request of the LEOFF 2 Board. They would allow retired members of the LEOFF 2 system to participate in insurance plans and contracts offered by the State Public Employee Benefits Board. LEOFF 2 retirees would pay the full cost of the insurance premiums. The bills have not yet been scheduled for hearings.

Family Leave Insurance (HB 1658)

HB 1658, introduced on January 24, would establish a family and medical leave insurance program to compensate eligible employees $250 per week for up to five weeks of family leave.

Under the bill, which is similar to legislation introduced last session, employers would be required to pay a premium of two cents per hour worked, up to a maximum of forty hours per week, for each employee. This amounts to approximately $42 per employee per year, and employers could retain the full amount of the premium from employees’ paychecks. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.