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WashingtonHB 23092025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Reducing barriers to state employment by eliminating postgraduate degree requirements that are unnecessary.

Sponsored By: Mari Leavitt (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

State jobs open without degree barriers

Beginning June 11, 2026, state agencies cannot use a 2‑, 4‑, or postgraduate degree as the only way to qualify for a classified job, unless another law requires that degree. People who are legally allowed to work in the U.S., including DACA recipients, are eligible for these jobs unless another law bars hiring.

Market-based pay for state workers

Beginning June 11, 2026, the state may run salary surveys of public and private jobs to set market‑based pay. The director can set special salary ranges for higher‑education jobs so they compete with local pay. Surveys and special ranges guide pay but do not guarantee a raise.

Simpler job classes and review process

Beginning June 11, 2026, the state keeps a simple, statewide classification plan for all classified jobs. The plan supports diversity, career growth, and agency reorganization. An agency and its employee organization can jointly ask the budget director for a classification study. The request itself does not change pay or titles.

Private employer pay data stays private

Beginning June 11, 2026, the state does not release salary survey data that names a private employer and shows its pay rates. This protects employers’ confidential data but reduces public access to specific pay information.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Beth Doglio

    Democratic • House

  • Cyndy Jacobsen

    Republican • House

  • Janice Zahn

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Shelley Kloba

    Democratic • House

  • Skyler Rude

    Republican • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 145 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 1/29/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 97 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/14/2026House

  2. Chapter 38, 2026 Laws.

    3/14/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/14/2026legislature

  4. President signed.

    3/6/2026legislature

  5. Delivered to Governor.

    3/6/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/5/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/4/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading consent calendar.

    2/27/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/25/2026House

  11. SGTE - Majority; do pass.

    2/24/2026House

  12. First reading, referred to State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections.

    2/2/2026House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 97; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    1/29/2026House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    1/29/2026House

  15. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    1/27/2026House

  16. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    1/22/2026House

  17. SGOV - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/20/2026House

  18. SGOV - Majority; do pass.

    1/20/2026House

  19. First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Relations.

    1/12/2026House

  20. Prefiled for introduction.

    1/7/2026House

Bill Text

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