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WashingtonHB 23092025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

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

Sponsored By: Mari Leavitt (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Fewer degree barriers for Washington job seekers

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington's classified state job rules must allow ways to qualify besides a college degree. This covers two-year, four-year, and postgraduate degrees. A degree can remain the only way to qualify when the law requires it for the job's essential duties.

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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