The bill amends RCW 41.56.030 to expand the definition of "uniformed personnel" to include all law enforcement officers employed by cities, towns, or counties, removing previous population restrictions that limited this classification to those in municipalities with populations of 2,500 or more and counties with populations of 10,000 or more. The updated definition now encompasses a broader range of law enforcement roles, including correctional employees, general authority Washington peace officers, security forces, firefighters, advanced life support technicians, court marshals, and public safety telecommunicators, while specifically excluding those employed by the Washington State Patrol or other state agencies.

This legislative change aims to ensure that all law enforcement officers, regardless of the size of the jurisdiction they serve, are recognized as uniformed personnel under the law. By eliminating the population-based criteria, the bill seeks to enhance the collective bargaining rights and protections for these officers, thereby promoting fair labor practices across various jurisdictions in Washington State.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.56.030