This bill introduces a new section to chapter 41.56 RCW, extending collective bargaining rights to employees enrolled in academic or certificate programs at Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, and The Evergreen State College. It specifies that these employees are considered enrolled during academic breaks if they are employed by the institution during that time and were enrolled in the preceding or subsequent academic term. The bill clarifies that certain employees are excluded from this definition and establishes that a bargaining unit can only include employees from a single institution.

Additionally, the bill outlines the scope of collective bargaining, which excludes matters such as employment termination based on academic performance, tuition and fee amounts (though tuition remission and waivers are negotiable), the academic calendar, and class admission numbers. It also stipulates that compensation provisions in collective bargaining agreements cannot exceed amounts set by the legislature in the appropriations act, although institutions may offer additional compensation beyond that. The act is declared necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, and takes effect immediately.