MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Flannary Collins

2023 Brings New Firearms Legislation to Washington State

October 16, 2023 by Flannary Collins
Category: New Legislation and Regulations , Firearms

Several firearms-related bills were passed during the 2023 legislative session, including a ban on assault weapons, and new requirements for firearms purchase, such as background checks and a 10-day waiting period.

New Materials Help Local Governments Comply with the Open Public Meetings Act

June 26, 2023 by Flannary Collins
Category: MRSC News and Updates , Open Public Meetings Act

From our comprehensive Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) publication to new guidance sheets on meeting minutes and meeting agendas, MRSC has revamped and completely updated its OPMA materials — including webpages and downloadable materials — to help agencies stay compliant.

A close up of handcuffs set against illegal drugs

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

May 24, 2023 by Flannary Collins
Category: New Legislation and Regulations , Drug Possession and Use

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.

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

May 8, 2023 by Flannary Collins
Category: Open Public Meetings Act , Legislative Body

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.

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

It’s Sunshine Week Somewhere

March 6, 2023 by Flannary Collins
Category: Open Public Meetings Act , Public Records Act

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

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

January 23, 2023 by Flannary Collins
Category: Open Public Meetings Act

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?

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

December 13, 2022 by Flannary Collins
Category: Public Records Act , Nuisance Abatement and Enforcement

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.

Governor Inslee Ends the COVID-19 Emergency

November 2, 2022 by Flannary Collins
Category: COVID-19

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.

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

October 6, 2022 by Flannary Collins
Category: COVID-19 , Open Public Meetings Act

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?

Regulating Firearms in Washington State

July 10, 2022 by Flannary Collins
Category: Firearms

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.

Recruiting for Local Government Positions

May 23, 2022 by Flannary Collins
Category: Recruitment and Hiring

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.

The OPMA Gets an Update from the Legislature

March 24, 2022 by Flannary Collins
Category: Open Public Meetings Act , New Legislation and Regulations

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.

State Puts WA Cares on Hold for Now

February 1, 2022 by Flannary Collins
Category: Compensation , New Legislation and Regulations

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.

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

November 29, 2021 by Flannary Collins
Category: Court Decisions and AGO Opinions , Operating Policies

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

An Update on the Long-Term Care Trust Act

September 20, 2021 by Flannary Collins
Category: Compensation , New Legislation and Regulations

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.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements in the Local Government Workplace

August 11, 2021 by Flannary Collins
Category: COVID-19 , Personnel Policies

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.

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

July 12, 2021 by Flannary Collins
Category: Personnel Policies , New Legislation and Regulations

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