Concerning the definition of a "qualifying discharge" for the Washington state veterans' preference program for civil service.

Broader veterans' job preference with proof deadlines

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington expands which military discharges qualify for veterans' preference in civil-service jobs. Honorable and general under honorable conditions discharges qualify. An other than honorable discharge qualifies with Veterans Affairs documentation showing eligibility for or receipt of monetary benefits. Any service characterization qualifies with proof that discharge was solely due to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disclosure to military officials. Official discharge proof includes a DD Form 214, National Guard Bureau Form 22, or equivalent. For initial hiring, eligible wartime or armed-conflict veterans without military retirement receive a 10% addition to their passing score. Veterans without that service, or receiving military retirement, receive 5%. These additions apply until the first appointment, not to promotion exams. Veterans called to active service from state or local government employment receive a 5% addition until their first promotion. For initial hiring, service members can use a written certification from their military branch before discharge. It must state the expected discharge date, service characterization, and that the discharge will qualify. It must be issued no more than 120 days before submission. Official proof of a qualifying discharge is due within 30 days after discharge. If proof is missing, the agency must give notice and a reasonable extension of at least 15 days. After that extension, the agency may rescind an appointment or benefit based solely on the certification. Certification alone cannot establish eligibility after discharge, including retention or layoff preference. Agencies must adopt written procedures to verify certifications, track final documents, and confirm appointments only after receiving official proof. Before taking adverse action over differences between certification and final documents, agencies must give notice and an opportunity to respond.