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WashingtonSB 58272025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning the definition of a "qualifying discharge" for the Washington state veterans' preference program for civil service.

Sponsored By: Chris Gildon (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Extra exam points for veterans

Beginning June 11, 2026, qualifying veterans get extra points on civil service exams (100-point scale). If you served in a war or armed conflict and do not get military retirement, 10 points are added to your passing score until your first appointment. If you did not serve in a war, or you receive military retirement, 5 points are added until your first appointment. These two boosts do not apply to promotional exams. If you were called to active duty from a state or local public job, you get 5 points on promotional exams until your first promotion.

More veterans qualify for hiring preference

Beginning June 11, 2026, more discharge types qualify for Washington’s veterans’ hiring preference in civil service. Honorable and general (under honorable conditions) discharges qualify. An other-than-honorable discharge qualifies if you show VA papers that you get or are eligible for money, like disability pay or a pension. Any discharge qualifies if your record lists the only reason as sexual orientation or gender identity, or related consensual conduct. You must provide documents that show the discharge type and reason.

Use early discharge letter for preference

Beginning June 11, 2026, you can use an early discharge letter to claim veterans’ preference for a first state or local civil service job. The letter must state your expected discharge date and type and can be submitted up to 120 days before discharge. You must give official papers (like a DD-214 or NGB-22) within 30 days after discharge. If you miss that, the agency must notify you and give at least 15 more days. If you still do not provide them, the agency can rescind the appointment. This letter cannot be used by itself for retention or layoff preference.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Chris Gildon

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jeff Wilson

    Republican • Senate

  • Leonard Christian

    Republican • Senate

  • Perry Dozier

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 0

House vote • 3/6/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 96 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 2/13/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/23/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 146, 2026 Laws.

    3/23/2026Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    3/23/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  6. President signed.

    3/9/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    3/6/2026Senate

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/6/2026Senate

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

    3/5/2026Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/2/2026Senate

  11. APP - Majority; do pass.

    3/2/2026Senate

  12. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/2/2026Senate

  13. SGOV - Majority; do pass.

    2/25/2026Senate

  14. SGOV - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/25/2026Senate

  15. Referred to Appropriations.

    2/25/2026Senate

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

    2/17/2026Senate

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

    2/13/2026Senate

  18. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/13/2026Senate

  19. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/13/2026Senate

  20. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/10/2026Senate

  21. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/9/2026Senate

  22. WM - Majority; do pass 1st substitute bill proposed by State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections.

    2/9/2026Senate

  23. Referred to Ways & Means.

    1/26/2026Senate

  24. And refer to Ways & Means.

    1/23/2026Senate

  25. SGTE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    1/23/2026Senate

Bill Text

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