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WashingtonHB 15412025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning the veterans affairs advisory committee.

Sponsored By: Hunter Abell (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Liaisons for state veterans' homes

Beginning June 11, 2026, the committee names a liaison for each state veterans' home unless that home already has a committee member. Liaisons must share committee news with the home's resident council and bring resident issues back to the committee.

How the committee works and pays

Beginning June 11, 2026, members serve four-year terms. No one may serve more than two consecutive terms, and a person filling a vacancy serves only the time left in that term. Members do not get a salary, but they can receive per diem and mileage under state travel rules in chapter 43.03 RCW. The committee advises the governor and the Department of Veterans Affairs and reviews the department's work to recommend changes.

New makeup of veterans advisory committee

Beginning June 11, 2026, the veterans affairs advisory committee has 17 governor-appointed members. Two seats are for the state veterans' homes; each home's resident council can nominate up to three people, and if no names are sent, the governor may fill that slot with an at-large member. One seat comes from each of the three largest nationally recognized veterans organizations in Washington; their state commanders may submit up to three names. Six more seats are for other eligible veterans organizations with at least one active Washington chapter; each may submit up to three names. Six seats are at-large, and anyone may nominate a veteran. No organization may hold more than one seat at a time, and appointments must reflect geography, minority viewpoints, varied service backgrounds, and women veterans' issues.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Hunter Abell

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Brandy Donaghy

    Democratic • House

  • Clyde Shavers

    Democratic • House

  • Janice Zahn

    Democratic • House

  • Melanie Morgan

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Shelley Kloba

    Democratic • House

  • Tarra Simmons

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 235 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/26/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 1/22/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 91 • No: 0 • Other: 7

House vote • 3/11/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 96 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/9/2026House

  2. Chapter 5, 2026 Laws.

    3/9/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/9/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/3/2026legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    2/28/2026legislature

  6. President signed.

    2/28/2026legislature

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

    2/26/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/26/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/24/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/17/2026House

  11. SGTE - Majority; do pass.

    2/16/2026House

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

    1/26/2026House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 91; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 7.

    1/22/2026House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    1/22/2026House

  15. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    1/22/2026House

  16. Returned to second reading for amendment.

    1/22/2026House

  17. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on third reading.

    1/19/2026House

  18. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

    1/12/2026House

  19. By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading.

    4/27/2025House

  20. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/15/2025House

  21. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/29/2025House

  22. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/28/2025House

  23. SGTE - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    3/28/2025House

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

    3/13/2025House

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

    3/11/2025House

Bill Text

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