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HB 1045

Expanding the definition of uniformed personnel to all law enforcement officers employed by a city, town, or county.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Bronoske and 7 co-sponsors

Expands "uniformed personnel" definition to include all local law enforcement officers, potentially triggering new labor protections and benefits eligibility.

Public hearing in the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards at 10:30 AM.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1045

Legislative bill overview

HB 1045 expands Washington state's legal definition of "uniformed personnel" to include all law enforcement officers employed by cities, towns, or counties, rather than a narrower classification. This reclassification affects how these officers are legally categorized for purposes of state labor law, benefits eligibility, and regulatory compliance.

Why is this important

The definition of "uniformed personnel" in state law triggers different rules for compensation, scheduling, union representation, and benefits. Broadening this definition could change employment protections, overtime rules, and retirement benefits for thousands of local law enforcement officers across Washington, with ripple effects on municipal budgets and labor negotiations.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact on municipalities: Expanding eligibility for uniformed personnel status may increase labor costs, pension obligations, and benefits expenses for local governments already facing budget constraints
  • Labor union implications: Different classification may affect collective bargaining rights, union jurisdiction, and which labor laws apply to these officers—unions and management may disagree on scope
  • Consistency and fairness questions: Clarifying why all local law enforcement should receive uniformed status versus current categorical distinctions, and whether this creates inequities with other public employees

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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