WA HB1182

Extends interest arbitration rights to Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission employees, previously available only to Department of Corrections employees, as an alternative method for resolving collective bargaining disputes

Excludes confidential employees (as defined in RCW 41.80.005) and internal auditors from the Parks and Recreation Commission employees eligible for interest arbitration

Requires negotiations to begin at least 5 months before budget submission to the legislature, with mediation available after 60 days if no agreement is reached

Arbitrator selection must occur within 10 working days after the first Monday in September of odd-numbered years, with hearing dates reserved between August 1st and September 15th of the following even-numbered year

Arbitration decisions are binding on the parties but not on the legislature; compensation and benefit provisions only take effect if the legislature approves necessary funding