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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for Flannary Collins

A close up of handcuffs set against illegal drugs

New Law on Drug Possession, Use Takes Effect July 1, 2023

After being called back to a special session, the Washington State Legislature passed SB 5536, also known as the Blake Fix, adding a new statewide law on drug use and possession, with most provisions taking effect on July 1, 2023.

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Two officials sitting at a dais during an open public meeting as seen through the lens of a video camera

Practical Tips for Holding Hybrid Meetings

After years of practice during the pandemic, local governments have become accustomed to holding hybrid public meetings, but that doesn't mean the process is always seamless. Fortunately many have developed procedures and methods to address the most common problems.

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A close up of a person working on a laptop to retrieve files while sitting in a sunbeam

It’s Sunshine Week Somewhere

Even during the gloomy winter months, we can all applaud Sunshine Week, which celebrates open government. 

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Are You Up-to-Date on the Open Public Meetings Act? Test Your Knowledge

Are You Up-to-Date on the Open Public Meetings Act? Test Your Knowledge

Since 2020, the Open Public Meetings Act has gone through significant changes, requiring local government staff and elected officials to stay abreast of the changes. How confident are you in your OPMA knowledge?

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Privacy v. Security: Use of Security Cameras on Government Property

Privacy v. Security: Use of Security Cameras on Government Property

While governmental use of security cameras can be a useful tool, agencies should take care to adopt a policy that outlines the precise ways in which the cameras will be used and how the recordings will be managed. 

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Governor Inslee Ends the COVID-19 Emergency

Governor Inslee Ends the COVID-19 Emergency

The governor officially terminated all remaining proclamations effective at 11:59 PM on October 31. The new documents confirm what we wrote previously, but this article provides a few small clarifications regarding vaccination requirements, face masks, and reporting/notification.

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Washington’s COVID-19 State of Emergency Ends October 31: What Does this Mean for Local Governments?

Washington’s COVID-19 State of Emergency Ends October 31: What Does this Mean for Local Governments?

Washington's state of emergency and remaining emergency proclamations related to the COVID-19 pandemic are scheduled to be lifted on October 31, 2022. What impact will this have on open public meetings, vaccine mandates, and requirements related to masking and disease tracking?  

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Regulating Firearms in Washington State

Regulating Firearms in Washington State

Washington State mostly preempts the field of firearm regulation under state law but there are a handful of areas in which local governments can adopt measures to regulate the sale, possession, use, and storage of firearms within their jurisdictions.

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Recruiting for Local Government Positions

Recruiting for Local Government Positions

Many employers are finding employee recruitment challenging. This blog explores some out-of-the-box approaches to attracting new talent, from signing and referral bonuses, telecommute options and other incentives, as well as what to consider if you hire out-of-state staff. 

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The OPMA Gets an Update from the Legislature

The OPMA Gets an Update from the Legislature

The 2022 legislative session made changes to the Open Public Meetings Act, some of which take effect immediately and others not until June. This blog looks at new requirements about physical location, special meeting notice, and public comment and clarifies the effective dates.

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State Puts WA Cares on Hold for Now

State Puts WA Cares on Hold for Now

With new legislation, the WA Cares long-term care insurance program (and the premiums employers were to collect from employees) has been put on hold. This blog looks at the steps local government employers should take at this time.

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Appeals Court Finds Non-Exempt Workers Must be Paid for All Required Out-of-Town Travel Time

Appeals Court Finds Non-Exempt Workers Must be Paid for All Required Out-of-Town Travel Time

A recent ruling in Port of Tacoma v. Sacks defines what is considered compensable hours when an employee travels for a work-related purpose.

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An Update on the Long-Term Care Trust Act

An Update on the Long-Term Care Trust Act

As of January 2022, employees will begin paying into the state's long-term care insurance benefit, but local governments still have a lot of questions, such as how to handle premiums and program eligibility.

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COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements in the Local Government Workplace

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements in the Local Government Workplace

This blog post looks at the legal authority for government employers to require employees to be vaccinated, as well as the main issues to consider before establishing a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination program.

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An Overview of New Personnel-Related Bills Adopted in the 2021 Regular Legislative Session

An Overview of New Personnel-Related Bills Adopted in the 2021 Regular Legislative Session

This blog provides an overview of leave-related bills as well as a new state holiday passed during the 2021 regular legislative session. 

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Vaccine Incentive Policies in the Local Government Workplace

Vaccine Incentive Policies in the Local Government Workplace

This blog looks at considerations around vaccine incentive policies in the local government workplace.

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Local Government Contracting and Agreements for Non-Public Works Projects

Local Government Contracting and Agreements for Non-Public Works Projects

This blog explores the options available for local government contracting and agreements related to non-public woks projects. 

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Possession and Carrying of Firearms in Washington State: What’s Allowed?

Possession and Carrying of Firearms in Washington State: What’s Allowed?

This blog provides a general overview of firearm regulation in Washington State.

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New Regulations for the Use of Facial Recognition Technology

New Regulations for the Use of Facial Recognition Technology

The purpose of this blog post is to highlight the requirements in ESSB 6280, Washington State's new law regulating the use of facial technology software. 

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Using Electronic Signatures During Emergencies

Using Electronic Signatures During Emergencies

This blog post looks at how an agency can use electronic rather than ink signatures to process documents and keep its operations going, even in the event of an emergency. 

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