Rep. Gina Delfetti introduces bill to let certain state enforcement and firefighter classifications seek a separate bargaining unit
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Summary
Representative Gina Delfetti introduced H.858 to allow game wardens, liquor/lottery enforcement, DMV officers and some firefighters to form a separate collective bargaining unit and seek inclusion in a pilot bargaining structure; the committee asked procedural and scope questions and reserved formal review for counsel walkthrough if taken off the wall.
Representative Gina Delfetti introduced H.858 on Feb. 18, describing it as “an act relating to the creation of state law enforcement and firefighters bargaining unit” that would let several classifications of state enforcement employees seek a distinct collective bargaining unit.
Delfetti said the bill was intended to address workers she described as having been “left out of the conversation,” listing game wardens, liquor/lottery enforcement officers, certain Department of Motor Vehicles enforcement staff and some firefighters as examples. “It would allow all these other, you know, folks that kind of been left out of the the conversation to form a collective bargaining unit and and advocate for inclusion in in the pilot system, basically,” she said.
Committee members asked procedural and scope questions. The chair and the author clarified the bill is not a short form and that legislative counsel prepared full draft language. Members asked whether the bill would automatically move employees out of existing bargaining units; Rick Krauszoff cautioned that the legislation “doesn’t mean these folks are in a bargaining unit” and emphasized that the measure would provide a pathway rather than an automatic reassignment.
A member asked whether Department of Corrections employees (prison guards) were included; Delfetti said DOC employees are not included because they already have their own bargaining unit. Delfetti also noted the legislation was drafted with input from stakeholders and legislative counsel.
A committee member flagged the possible interaction with an upcoming ballot measure, asking whether passage of “Prop 2” could make H.858 irrelevant. Delfetti responded that the ballot outcome could affect the bill’s relevance but that the committee should consider the proposal until the measure’s fate is known.
The committee did not take formal action on H.858 during the session. The chair said if members ask to take the bill off the wall, counsel will provide a walk-through and formal testimony would follow.
What happens next: H.858 remains on the committee’s bill wall; further committee consideration, counsel review and formal testimony were left for a future meeting if members request a full walk-through.
