The bill amends RCW 41.56.030 to expand the definition of "uniformed personnel" to include all law enforcement officers employed by a city, town, or county, removing previous population thresholds that limited this classification. Specifically, the language that previously specified law enforcement officers must be employed by cities or towns with a population of at least 2,500 and counties with a population of at least 10,000 has been deleted. This change aims to ensure that all law enforcement officers, regardless of the size of their jurisdiction, are recognized as uniformed personnel under the law.

In addition to the expansion of the definition, the bill maintains the inclusion of various other public safety roles within the "uniformed personnel" category, such as correctional employees, firefighters, and public safety telecommunicators. The intent of the bill is to enhance the collective bargaining rights and protections for these personnel, thereby acknowledging their critical roles in public safety and law enforcement across all jurisdictions in Washington State.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.56.030