This bill amends RCW 41.06.076 to expand the list of personnel within the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) who are exempt from civil service provisions. The current exemptions include the secretary and the secretary's executive assistant, but the bill introduces additional positions that will also be exempt. Specifically, it adds the chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, assistant secretaries, deputy assistant secretaries, senior directors, division directors, assistant and deputy division directors, regional administrators, district managers, executive officers, and superintendents of institutions, along with executive assistants supporting these officers.

The bill removes previous limitations on the number of assistant secretaries, division directors, and other positions that could be exempt, thereby allowing for greater flexibility in staffing within the DSHS. This change aims to streamline the management structure of the department and enhance its operational efficiency by providing more autonomy in personnel decisions for key leadership roles.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.06.076