The bill introduces a new section to chapter 49.28 RCW, permitting Washington law enforcement agencies to implement flexible work policies for peace officers, allowing for part-time or alternative schedules during peak hours without displacing full-time officers. It specifies that these policies may require certain experience or training levels for eligibility and ensures that existing collective bargaining agreements remain unaffected. Additionally, the bill amends RCW 10.93.020 and RCW 41.26.030 to clarify definitions related to law enforcement roles, including the introduction of "reserve officer," and aims to enhance workforce flexibility while maintaining law enforcement integrity.

Moreover, the bill expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" to include part-time personnel effective July 1, 2024, while maintaining existing qualifications for full-time officers. It clarifies retirement system definitions and conditions for service credit, ensuring that furloughs do not reduce service credit. The bill also updates the definition of "employer" for plan 2 members and outlines the calculation of "final average salary," ensuring fair administration of retirement benefits. Additionally, it introduces a "chief for a day program" for chronically ill children and establishes expiration and effective dates for certain sections, enhancing clarity in the legal framework governing law enforcement and corrections personnel.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.26.030
Substitute Bill: 41.26.030
Engrossed Substitute: 41.26.030, 41.26.162
Bill as Passed Legislature: 41.26.030, 41.26.162
Session Law: 41.26.030, 41.26.162