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WashingtonSB 50682025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning agencies, firefighters, prosecutors, and general or limited authority law enforcement, extending eligibility for employment to all United States citizens or persons legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

Sponsored By: John Lovick (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Certification protection for eligible immigrant officers

Beginning March 18, 2026, Washington's training commission cannot deny or revoke officer certification solely over an immigration-status-based federal weapons restriction. This protects applicants and certified peace officers and corrections officers. It applies only when federal law allows the person to possess weapons in the official role after hiring. Other certification requirements still apply.

More public jobs for work-authorized immigrants

Beginning March 18, 2026, Washington expands job access for U.S. citizens and people legally allowed to work under federal law. Covered jobs include corrections officers and prosecutor's office employees, including deputies. Also covered are prison and local jail jobs focused mainly on adult custody, safety, and security. Employers must still follow federal work-verification rules, and corrections agencies must verify this status during background checks. These changes apply to covered workers employed on or after March 18, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • John Lovick

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Bob Hasegawa

    Democratic • Senate

  • Drew Hansen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Javier Valdez

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jesse Salomon

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lisa Wellman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Manka Dhingra

    Democratic • Senate

  • Marko Liias

    Democratic • Senate

  • Noel Frame

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

  • Yasmin Trudeau

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 169 • No: 71

Senate vote • 3/9/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 28 • No: 19 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/6/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 62 • No: 33 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 1/21/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 30 • No: 19

Senate vote • 2/5/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 3/18/2026.

    3/18/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 103, 2026 Laws.

    3/18/2026Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    3/18/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  6. President signed.

    3/10/2026legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 28; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    3/9/2026Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    3/9/2026House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 62; nays, 33; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    3/6/2026Senate

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/6/2026Senate

  11. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/6/2026Senate

  12. Committee amendment not adopted.

    3/6/2026Senate

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

    2/27/2026Senate

  14. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/25/2026Senate

  15. Minority; do not pass.

    2/23/2026Senate

  16. CS - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    2/23/2026Senate

  17. CS - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/23/2026Senate

  18. First reading, referred to Community Safety.

    1/26/2026Senate

  19. Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    1/21/2026Senate

  20. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    1/21/2026Senate

  21. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    1/21/2026Senate

  22. Returned to second reading for amendment.

    1/21/2026Senate

  23. Rules suspended.

    1/21/2026Senate

  24. Placed on third reading by Rules Committee.

    1/13/2026Senate

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

    1/12/2026Senate

Bill Text

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