The bill amends RCW 41.56.030 to extend interest arbitration rights to public safety telecommunicators, thereby recognizing them as a distinct category of uniformed personnel. Specifically, the bill introduces new legal language that defines "public safety telecommunicators" as employees who are engaged in emergency communication services and are employed by a public employer. However, it clarifies that this designation does not apply to telecommunicators employed by the Washington State Patrol or any other state agency.

In addition to the insertion of the definition for public safety telecommunicators, the bill maintains the existing definitions and provisions related to various public employee categories and collective bargaining processes. This legislative change aims to enhance the rights and recognition of public safety telecommunicators within the framework of public employment relations in Washington State.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.56.030
Substitute Bill: 41.56.030
Bill as Passed Legislature: 41.56.030
Session Law: 41.56.030