This bill amends existing law to make collective bargaining for school districts subject to the Open Public Meetings Act. Specifically, it modifies RCW 42.30.140 to clarify that collective bargaining sessions with employee organizations, including contract negotiations and grievance meetings, are generally exempt from public meeting requirements, except as outlined in the new section added to chapter 41.59 RCW. The new section mandates that school districts conduct all collective bargaining negotiations transparently, allowing for public observation both in person and through video streaming.

Additionally, the bill requires school districts to provide public notice of all collective bargaining negotiations and to publish all related documentation, including proposals and final agreements, on their official websites within specified timeframes. It also establishes that any individual participating in collective bargaining negotiations in violation of these transparency requirements would be in breach of the Open Public Meetings Act. However, it clarifies that meetings related to the enforcement of a collective bargaining agreement, such as grievance proceedings, are not subject to public observation.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 42.30.140