Bill > SB5172

This bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to allow fire protection districts with fully-paid fire departments to dissolve their existing civil service systems under specific conditions. Currently, fire protection districts can establish civil service systems similar to those for cities and municipalities, which provide job protections and regulate employment practices. The bill introduces a new provision that permits a fire protection district to dissolve its civil service system if two key requirements are met: first, the board of fire commissioners must adopt a resolution to dissolve the system, and second, a majority of the civil service employees must vote in favor of dissolution within 60 calendar days of the board's resolution. This legislation gives fire protection districts more flexibility in managing their workforce by providing a pathway to eliminate their civil service systems with the consent of the employees. The bill preserves the existing protections that prevent employees from being discharged based on their residence outside the fire protection district's boundaries.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5172&Year=2025&Initiative=false