The bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to establish a comprehensive framework for collective bargaining among state legislative employees. It introduces key definitions, including "collective bargaining," which outlines the obligations of employers and exclusive bargaining representatives to negotiate in good faith, while clarifying that negotiations are not required during legislative sessions. A new legislative commission is created to oversee these processes until December 31, 2027, after which the public employment relations commission will assume responsibility. The bill also specifies which employees are excluded from collective bargaining, such as those in managerial roles and certain legislative staff.

Additionally, the legislation emphasizes the rights of legislative employees to self-organize and engage in collective bargaining, requiring a majority vote in a secret election for any employee organization seeking recognition as the exclusive bargaining representative. It introduces procedural requirements for the commission, including rules for secret balloting and absentee voting, and mandates that collective bargaining agreements be written and executed by both parties. The bill prohibits agreements that require political action committee contributions from employee wages and clarifies that legislative employees do not have the right to strike. It also ensures that payroll deduction authorizations for membership dues are forwarded to the exclusive bargaining representative and remain in effect until revoked by the employee. The bill is set to take effect on May 1, 2024, and is considered necessary for the immediate preservation of 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, 42.17A.005, 42.52.160
Second Substitute: 44.90.020, 44.90.030, 44.90.050, 44.90.060, 44.90.070, 44.90.080, 44.90.090, 42.17A.005, 42.52.160
Engrossed Second Substitute: 44.90.020, 44.90.030, 44.90.050, 44.90.060, 44.90.070, 44.90.080, 44.90.090, 42.17A.005, 42.52.160
Bill as Passed Legislature: 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
Session Law: 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