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WashingtonHB 10132025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning exemption of certain personnel of the department of social and health services from civil service.

Sponsored By: Suzanne Schmidt (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Social services leaders lose civil service protections

Beginning July 27, 2025, the law expands civil service exemptions at Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The secretary and the secretary’s executive assistant remain exempt. Covered roles include the chief and deputy chief of staff, assistant secretaries, deputy assistant secretaries, and senior directors. The list also covers division directors, assistant and deputy division directors, regional administrators, and district managers. Executive officers, institution superintendents, and executive assistants supporting the listed officers are also exempt. These positions fall outside state civil service rules for hiring, promotion, discipline, and job protections. Existing exemptions for other positions remain in place.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Suzanne Schmidt

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Kristine Reeves

    Democratic • House

  • Liz Berry

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 145 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 1/30/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 96 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/21/2025House

  2. Chapter 73, 2025 Laws.

    4/21/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    4/21/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/15/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/14/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/11/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/9/2025House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/9/2025House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/7/2025House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/25/2025House

  11. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/21/2025House

  12. SGTE - Majority; do pass.

    3/21/2025House

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

    1/31/2025House

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

    1/30/2025House

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    1/30/2025House

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

    1/28/2025House

  17. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    1/20/2025House

  18. SGOV - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/17/2025House

  19. SGOV - Majority; do pass.

    1/17/2025House

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

    1/13/2025House

  21. Introduced

    1/13/2025House

Bill Text

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