S-3835.1
SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5827
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2026 Regular Session
By Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Gildon, Christian, Dozier, and J. Wilson)
READ FIRST TIME 01/26/26.
AN ACT Relating to the definition of a "qualifying discharge" for the Washington state veterans' preference program for civil service; amending RCW 41.04.010 and 73.04.005 ; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that agencies may deny an applicant's request for veteran preference because the applicant is currently serving in the United States military and does not yet meet the definition of a veteran prior to the applicant's official discharge or release date from military service. The legislature further finds that some applicants are denied the preference despite receipt of an official statement of service memorandum from their commanding officer or delegated authority that includes expected discharge characterization and expected discharge or release from service date. The legislature recognizes the negative impact these actions have on active duty service members who are in the process of securing jobs prior to their separation date from service because service members generally do not receive a DD form 214 (military separation paperwork) until their last day of active service and most service members would prefer to have civilian jobs secured prior to their separation date. The legislature intends to clarify the requirements for veteran preference to ensure a smooth transition into civil employment.
Sec. 2. RCW 41.04.010 and 2024 c 146 s 14 are each amended to read as follows: