Bill
Bill > HB2014
summary
Introduced
01/08/2024
01/08/2024
In Committee
02/26/2024
02/26/2024
Crossed Over
02/10/2024
02/10/2024
Passed
03/06/2024
03/06/2024
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/18/2024
03/18/2024
Introduced Session
2023-2024 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT Relating to the definition of veteran and restoring honor 2 to veterans; amending RCW 41.04.005, 41.04.007, 2.48.070, 2.48.090, 3 9.46.070, 28A.230.120, 28B.15.012, 28B.15.621, 28B.102.020, 4 41.04.010, 41.06.133, 41.08.040, 41.12.040, 41.16.220, 43.24.130, 5 43.60A.190, 43.70.270, 46.18.210, 46.18.270, 46.18.280, 46.18.295, 6 46.20.027, 46.20.161, 72.36.030, 73.08.005, 73.16.010, 73.16.120, 7 77.32.480, and 84.39.020; reenacting and amending RCW 41.20.050 and 8 41.40.170; adding a new section to chapter 73.04 RCW; adding a new 9 section to chapter 43.60A RCW; creating new sections; repealing RCW 10 2.48.100 and 73.04.042; providing an effective date; and providing an 11 expiration date. 12
AI Summary
This bill:
- Aligns the federal and state definition of "veteran" to expand state veterans' benefits to any veteran who is already eligible for federal Department of Veterans Affairs monetary benefits.
- Creates eligibility for state benefits for veterans who were separated with less than honorable characterizations of service due solely to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression or related actions or statements.
- Defines a "qualifying discharge" to include honorable, general under honorable conditions, other than honorable if the veteran is eligible for VA benefits, and any characterization if the discharge was due solely to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
- Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement an outreach program to ensure veterans are aware of state veterans' benefits and programs.
- Makes various changes to laws related to veterans' benefits, licenses, employment preferences, and other areas to align with the new definition of "veteran" and "qualifying discharge."
The bill is intended to restore honor to veterans and expand access to state veterans' benefits.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Government Affairs
Sponsors (20)
Mike Volz (R)*,
Travis Couture (R),
Brandy Donaghy (D),
Jake Fey (D),
Jenny Graham (R),
Paul Harris (R),
Cyndy Jacobsen (R),
Mari Leavitt (D),
Sam Low (R),
Nicole Macri (D),
Timm Ormsby (D),
Dave Paul (D),
Julia Reed (D),
Kristine Reeves (D),
Marcus Riccelli (D),
Cindy Ryu (D),
Bryan Sandlin (R),
Suzanne Schmidt (R),
Clyde Shavers (D),
Mike Steele (R),
Last Action
Effective date 6/6/2024*. (on 03/18/2024)
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...