The bill seeks to improve government efficiency by amending and repealing outdated statutory language in several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), specifically targeting RCW 41.04.665, 41.04.760, 41.06.500, 43.03.030, and 43.03.040. It repeals RCW 41.06.155, 41.06.475, 41.06.476, 41.06.560, and 43.03.3051, while introducing a new section that outlines the repealed acts. The bill modifies existing provisions related to employee leave, particularly in cases of severe illness, military service, domestic violence, and emergencies, and updates the rules governing shared leave to allow for greater flexibility in its use and transfer. It also removes specific provisions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, streamlining shared leave processes and emphasizing management training and career development.

In addition, the bill addresses the compensation of state officers and employees by removing previous restrictions on salary increases that were in place from February 18, 2009, to June 30, 2013, except in cases where employers faced challenges in retaining qualified employees. It allows the governor to make salary adjustments within statutory limits and based on recommendations from the office of financial management. Furthermore, any agency that grants salary increases during the specified period is required to submit detailed reports to the fiscal committees of the legislature, ensuring accountability by providing information on the positions affected, the size of the increases, and the rationale behind them.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 41.04.665, 41.04.760, 41.06.500, 43.03.030, 43.03.040