All Roll Calls
Yes: 87 • No: 54
WashingtonHB 15702025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Concerning collective bargaining for certain employees who are enrolled in academic programs at public institutions of higher education.
Sponsored By: Joe Timmons (Democratic)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Collective bargaining rights for WWU student workers
Beginning March 18, 2026, nonacademic student employees at Western Washington University who are enrolled in a program can bargain as a group. The covered jobs include listed roles such as advertising assistants, resident advisors, apartment advisors, inclusion assistants, and Viking Union building managers. These employees are an official bargaining unit at WWU. During winter, spring, or summer breaks, you count as enrolled if you work for WWU and were enrolled in the term just before or after the break.
WWU pay tied to state budget
Beginning March 18, 2026, pay terms in student contracts cannot be higher than the amounts or percentages set in the state budget. If lawmakers later change the budget, the parties must immediately bargain only to replace the affected pay term. WWU can also choose to provide extra pay or benefits above what the legislature funds.
Limits and exclusions in WWU bargaining
Beginning March 18, 2026, some topics are off-limits in bargaining. WWU can end a job for not meeting academic rules, and that is not negotiable. The amount of tuition or fees is not negotiable, but tuition and fee waivers or remissions are. The academic calendar and how many students get into a class are also not bargainable. People already covered by other Washington bargaining laws, and groups state law already excludes, do not get these new rights.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Joe Timmons
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Alex Ramel
Democratic • House
April Berg
Democratic • House
Beth Doglio
Democratic • House
Cindy Ryu
Democratic • House
Clyde Shavers
Democratic • House
Edwin Obras
Democratic • House
Gerry Pollet
Democratic • House
Greg Nance
Democratic • House
Jamila Taylor
Democratic • House
Julia Reed
Democratic • House
Julio Cortes
Democratic • House
Kristine Reeves
Democratic • House
Lisa Parshley
Democratic • House
Liz Berry
Democratic • House
Mary Fosse
Democratic • House
Mia Gregerson
Democratic • House
Monica Jurado Stonier
Democratic • House
Nicole Macri
Democratic • House
Osman Salahuddin
Democratic • House
Roger Goodman
Democratic • House
Sharlett Mena
Democratic • House
Shaun Scott
Democratic • House
Strom Peterson
Democratic • House
Tarra Simmons
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/4/2026
3rd Reading & Final Passage
Yes: 29 • No: 19 • Other: 1
House vote • 2/14/2026
3rd Reading & Final Passage
Yes: 58 • No: 35 • Other: 5
Actions Timeline
Effective date 3/18/2026.
3/18/2026HouseChapter 113, 2026 Laws.
3/18/2026HouseGovernor signed.
3/18/2026legislaturePresident signed.
3/6/2026legislatureDelivered to Governor.
3/6/2026legislatureSpeaker signed.
3/5/2026legislatureThird reading, passed; yeas, 29; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 1.
3/4/2026HouseRules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
3/4/2026HousePlaced on second reading by Rules Committee.
3/3/2026HousePassed to Rules Committee for second reading.
3/2/2026HouseMinority; do not pass.
3/2/2026HouseWM - Majority; do pass.
3/2/2026HouseReferred to Ways & Means.
2/25/2026HouseMinority; do not pass.
2/24/2026HouseAnd refer to Ways & Means.
2/24/2026HouseLC - Majority; do pass.
2/24/2026HouseFirst reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.
2/17/2026HouseThird reading, passed; yeas, 58; nays, 35; absent, 0; excused, 5.
2/14/2026HouseRules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
2/14/2026House1st substitute bill substituted.
2/14/2026HouseRules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
2/12/2026HouseReferred to Rules 2 Consideration.
2/5/2026HouseCommittee relieved of further consideration.
2/5/2026HouseReferred to Appropriations.
2/4/2026HouseMinority; do not pass.
2/2/2026House
Bill Text
Session Law
3/23/2026
Bill as Passed Legislature
3/6/2026
Substitute Bill
2/4/2026
Original Bill
1/24/2025
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