Bill > HB2712

This bill amends existing law to make collective bargaining sessions for school districts subject to the Open Public Meetings Act, which generally requires that meetings of public agencies be open to the public. Specifically, it removes an exemption that previously allowed collective bargaining sessions, including contract negotiations, grievance meetings, and discussions about labor agreements, to be held in private. The bill adds a new section requiring school districts to conduct all collective bargaining contract negotiations openly, allowing for public observation in person and through video streaming or playback, and to provide public notice of these negotiations. It also mandates that school districts publish all notes, documentation, and proposals related to collective bargaining on their official websites within two business days of transmission, and to keep final agreements online for their duration. While negotiations must be open, the bill clarifies that this does not require public comment opportunities during negotiations, and it excludes post-negotiation activities like grievance proceedings for individual employees from this open meeting requirement.

Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2712&Year=2025&Initiative=false