Washington Administrative Code Title 358 - Personnel Appeals Board
Here’s an improved overview of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 358 – Personnel Appeals Board, covering its structure, primary functions, and notable procedural rules:
📘 Overview of WAC Title 358 – Personnel Appeals Board
WAC Title 358 governs the Personnel Appeals Board (PAB) in Washington state, which hears employment-related appeals by state employees—including disciplinary actions, layoffs, classification disputes, and disability separations. It’s divided into several chapters defining structure, procedure, and authority.
1. Chapter 358‑01 – General Provisions (Powers, Duties, Meetings)
WAC 358‑01‑030: Establishes PAB authority to hear appeals per RCW 41.64 and issue findings, orders, and regulations. Also mandates maintaining an official journal of actions (law.cornell.edu).
WAC 358‑01‑042: Sets schedule for regular board meetings—Mondays at 10 a.m., except holidays. The board allocates time for public comment on operational procedures on the second Monday of each month (law.cornell.edu).
2. Chapter 358‑20 – Appeals: Filing and Declaratory Rulings
WAC 358‑20‑040 (“Filing appeals”):
Appeals must be filed in writing at the PAB office within 30 days of the effective date of the action (e.g., disciplinary, layoff, classification change).
The appeal must include detailed information: appellant’s contact, job classification, agency name, grounds, relief sought, relevant laws or rules, copies of notices, and whether mediation has been tried (regulations.justia.com).
If necessary details are missing, the executive secretary may both request additional info and dismiss the appeal if it isn't promptly corrected (regulations.justia.com).
3. Chapter 358‑30 – Hearing Procedures
WAC 358‑30‑084 (“Dismissal by board”):
The PAB may dismiss appeals under the following conditions:
Parties report settlement and fail to act for 30 days.
Lack of jurisdiction or timeliness.
A party ignores a prehearing conference.
Appellant cannot be reached at the last known contact information; notice must be sent and if no response within 15 days, the matter goes to board for formal dismissal (regulations.justia.com).
🔍 Summary Table
| Section | Content Summary |
|---|---|
| 358‑01‑030 | Powers & duties of the Board, including hearing appeals and record-keeping |
| 358‑01‑042 | Schedules regular meetings and public input sessions |
| 358‑20‑040 | Rules for filing appeals: timing, content requirements, and information follow-up |
| 358‑30‑084 | Grounds and procedure for dismissal of appeals |
✅ Why It Matters
Employees: Ensures fairness and due process in employment-related disputes with state agencies.
State Agencies: Provides clear guidelines on notice, timelines, and documentation required to support actions.
Attorneys/HR Professionals: Offers procedural clarity for representing or advising employees or agencies during appeals.
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