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WashingtonSB 54732025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning law enforcement personnel grievance arbitration procedures.

Sponsored By: Steve Conway (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

State-run arbitrator selection for police cases

The state runs one system to pick arbitrators for police discipline cases heard on or after January 1, 2022. New or renewed contracts must use this process. Old arbitration terms that lack this process end when the contract ends and cannot roll over. Contracts in place on July 25, 2021 do not have to reopen unless the parties reopen, renegotiate, or the contract expires. Parties and unions cannot bargain for a different way to pick arbitrators. These rules override any conflicting state bargaining laws.

Qualified arbitrators on a standing roster

The commission keeps a roster of 9 to 18 arbitrators for police discipline cases. Candidates need at least six years of related experience, such as labor advocacy, mediation, or deciding at least 10 cases. The commission also weighs cultural competency, implicit bias training, timely writing, travel ability, and familiarity with police work. New appointees must finish training within six months: at least 6 hours on diversity, bias, and culture, and at least 6 hours on daily police work (like ride‑alongs or shoot/don’t shoot training). Terms are three years and end on the first Monday in January, with initial terms staggered to end in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Arbitrators can finish or remedy cases heard during their term and may serve until a successor is named, but not past July 1 of the expiration year. The commission may remove members and must fill vacancies, including the next term if less than six months remain.

Rotating assignments, faster hearings, public decisions

Arbitrators are assigned by the executive director on a rotating list ordered by last name. If the assigned arbitrator cannot hear the case within three months of the request, the next person on the list is assigned. Arbitrators must disclose conflicts, and either party can ask to remove an arbitrator for a conflict. Arbitration decisions are binding under chapter 7.04A RCW. The commission posts each decision within 30 days, with names of grievants and witnesses removed.

Standard arbitrator fees and who pays

The commission sets an annual fee schedule for arbitrators. Parties pay fees as their contract says. If the contract is silent, the employer and the employee or union split the fees 50/50.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Steve Conway

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jeff Holy

    Republican • Senate

  • Mike Chapman

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 145 • No: 0

House vote • 4/14/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 96 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/3/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/30/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 188, 2025 Laws.

    4/30/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    4/30/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/22/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/18/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/18/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    4/14/2025Senate

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/14/2025Senate

  9. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/10/2025Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/27/2025Senate

  11. LAWS - Majority; do pass.

    3/26/2025Senate

  12. LAWS - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/26/2025Senate

  13. First reading, referred to Labor & Workplace Standards.

    3/5/2025Senate

  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/3/2025Senate

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/3/2025Senate

  16. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/19/2025Senate

  17. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/18/2025Senate

  18. Minority; do not pass.

    2/14/2025Senate

  19. LC - Majority; do pass.

    2/14/2025Senate

  20. First reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.

    1/24/2025Senate

  21. Introduced

    1/24/2025Senate

Bill Text

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