The bill amends RCW 41.56.030 to expand the definition of "uniformed personnel" to include all law enforcement officers employed by the governing bodies of cities, towns, counties, and municipal airports operating under chapter 14.08 RCW. Specifically, it removes the previous population requirements for cities and counties, which stipulated that only law enforcement officers from cities with a population of 2,500 or more and counties with a population of 10,000 or more were included. The new language explicitly includes law enforcement officers from municipal airports, thereby broadening the scope of personnel recognized under this classification.

In addition to the changes regarding law enforcement officers, the bill maintains the existing definitions for various terms related to public employment and collective bargaining. The inclusion of municipal airport law enforcement officers signifies a recognition of their role in public safety and aligns their employment conditions with those of other law enforcement personnel. This legislative change aims to enhance the collective bargaining rights and protections for a wider range of uniformed personnel in Washington State.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.56.030
Substitute Bill: 41.56.030