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WashingtonHB 11022025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Increasing support and services for veterans.

Sponsored By: Clyde Shavers (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More local benefits help for veterans

Beginning July 1, 2028, Washington funds local accredited veterans service officers in eligible counties that choose to participate, subject to available funding. Counties qualify when their share of veterans receiving federal disability or pension payments is below the national average. This replaces the old eligibility rule that included a population limit of 100,000. Funding priority goes first to eligible counties with the lowest shares, then to eligible counties without an officer. The law removes first-come, first-served funding and the funding cap of one full-time officer per county. Participating counties must also let veterans from adjacent counties use their officer. The law sets a goal of adding one to two officers every two years until all counties reach the national average. Starting December 1, 2028, the department must report every two years, subject to available funding. Reports track county veteran populations, available services, veterans served, claims filed, benefit receipt, and gaps in officer access.

Timely benefits information for discharged veterans

Beginning July 1, 2028, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs must contact veterans after receiving their federal discharge notices. Contact must happen within 90 days after the department receives the notice from the U.S. Department of Defense. The department must share information about veterans benefits and services, subject to available funding. It also must educate local governments, veterans, and current National Guard and reserve members about veterans service officer services.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Clyde Shavers

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Cindy Ryu

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Nance

    Democratic • House

  • Kristine Reeves

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Callan

    Democratic • House

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

  • Roger Goodman

    Democratic • House

  • Sharon Wylie

    Democratic • House

  • Tarra Simmons

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 241 • No: 1

House vote • 4/21/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 96 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 4/14/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/5/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 96 • No: 1 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/1/2028.

    5/17/2025House

  2. Chapter 294, 2025 Laws.

    5/17/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    5/17/2025legislature

  4. President signed.

    4/23/2025legislature

  5. Delivered to Governor.

    4/23/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/22/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    4/21/2025House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    4/21/2025House

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

    4/14/2025House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/14/2025House

  11. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    4/14/2025House

  12. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/9/2025House

  13. WM - Majority; do pass.

    4/8/2025House

  14. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    4/8/2025House

  15. Referred to Ways & Means.

    3/29/2025House

  16. And refer to Ways & Means.

    3/28/2025House

  17. SGTE - Majority; do pass.

    3/28/2025House

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

    3/7/2025House

  19. Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/5/2025House

  20. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/5/2025House

  21. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/5/2025House

  22. 2nd substitute bill substituted.

    3/5/2025House

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

    3/4/2025House

  24. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/28/2025House

  25. FIN - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/26/2025House

Bill Text

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