The bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to establish collective bargaining rights for state legislative employees, introducing key definitions such as "collective bargaining" and "employee," while excluding certain positions like elected officials and managerial employees from these rights. It creates the Office of State Legislative Labor Relations to oversee the bargaining process and clarifies the commission's authority in representation and bargaining unit matters. Significant changes include the requirement for secret balloting in the election of exclusive bargaining representatives and the establishment of rules to ensure fair representation. The bill also emphasizes that the commission's authority will not interfere with legislative functions and grants employers exclusive authority to designate confidential employees and supervisors.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of exclusive bargaining representatives, mandates that collective bargaining agreements be in writing, and prohibits agreements requiring political action committee contributions from employee wages. It specifies that legislative employees do not have the right to strike and includes provisions for mediation in disputes. The bill establishes a legislative commission for certifying bargaining representatives and resolving disputes, while also amending existing laws to allow legislative employees to use paid time and public resources for collective bargaining activities. The act is set to take effect on May 1, 2024, highlighting its urgency for public peace, health, or safety.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 44.90.020, 44.90.030, 44.90.050, 44.90.060, 44.90.070, 44.90.080, 44.90.090
Substitute Bill: 44.90.020, 44.90.030, 44.90.050, 44.90.060, 44.90.070, 44.90.080, 44.90.090, 41.58.010, 41.58.015
Second Substitute: 44.90.020, 44.90.030, 44.90.050, 44.90.060, 44.90.070, 44.90.080, 44.90.090, 41.58.010, 41.58.015, 42.17A.005, 42.52.160