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WashingtonSB 55032025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Concerning public employee collective bargaining processes.

Sponsored By: Javier Valdez (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Public workers keep legal claim rights

Beginning July 27, 2025, public employers cannot require workers to give up state or federal legal claims to settle a grievance. This protection applies to grievances under a union contract. It preserves the right to bring a claim but does not guarantee payment or a successful claim.

More arbitrator choices for corrections workers

Beginning July 27, 2025, corrections bargaining parties can choose an arbitrator from a regional list of seven qualified people. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service supplies the list, and the parties take turns removing names. They can instead use an American Arbitration Association list if both sides agree. This applies to covered state civil-service corrections employees, excluding confidential employees, Washington Management Service members, and internal auditors.

More arbitrator choices for ferry workers

Beginning July 27, 2025, ferry bargaining parties have a list-based selection route when they cannot agree on an arbitrator. This applies after 10 working days following the first Monday in September of an odd-numbered year. Either side can request seven names from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. An American Arbitration Association list requires both sides' consent. Selection uses a coin toss and alternating name removals within 30 calendar days after receiving the list.

New rules for public worker unions

Beginning July 27, 2025, employers and unions must submit proposed evidence about challenged employees in petitions to organize unrepresented workers. It is due with the employer's employee list or by a commission-set date after workers show interest. If a proposed group only works by including another union's workers, Washington's Public Employment Relations Commission reviews that existing group. The commission dismisses the petition if the existing group is appropriate; otherwise, it sets a new group and holds an election. A union representing two or more groups can request consolidation; if the combined group is appropriate, the commission must certify that union.

Union records protected during subpoena review

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington's Public Employment Relations Commission or its hearing officer can draw negative conclusions from subpoena refusals. This means a refusal to provide required evidence can count against a party. That rule does not apply when a union refuses after claiming the union privileges specified by law. The commission must privately review those records to decide whether they are legally protected.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Javier Valdez

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Bob Hasegawa

    Democratic • Senate

  • Emily Alvarado

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jessica Bateman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rebecca Saldaña

    Democratic • Senate

  • Steve Conway

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 120 • No: 72

Senate vote • 4/22/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 30 • No: 18

House vote • 4/15/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 59 • No: 36 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/4/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 31 • No: 18

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/20/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 387, 2025 Laws.

    5/20/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    5/20/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/25/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/24/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/24/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 30; nays, 18; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/22/2025Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    4/22/2025House

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

    4/15/2025Senate

  10. Third reading, passed; yeas, 59; nays, 36; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    4/15/2025Senate

  11. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/15/2025Senate

  12. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    4/15/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/31/2025Senate

  14. Minority; do not pass.

    3/28/2025Senate

  15. LAWS - Majority; do pass.

    3/28/2025Senate

  16. LAWS - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/28/2025Senate

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

    3/6/2025Senate

  18. Third reading, passed; yeas, 31; nays, 18; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/4/2025Senate

  19. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2025Senate

  20. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/4/2025Senate

  21. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/3/2025Senate

  22. Minority; do not pass.

    2/21/2025Senate

  23. LC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/21/2025Senate

  24. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/21/2025Senate

  25. First reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.

    1/27/2025Senate

Bill Text

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