Bill > SB5827

This bill modifies the Washington state veterans' preference program for civil service by expanding the definition of a "qualifying discharge" to allow active-duty service members to use a predischarge certification to claim veteran preference for initial job appointments. Previously, individuals generally needed to have officially separated from the military and received their DD Form 214 (military separation paperwork) to qualify. Now, active-duty members can provide a written statement from their branch of service, called a predischarge certification, which includes their expected discharge date and characterization of service, to be eligible for preference. This certification must be issued within 120 days of submission, and the individual must later provide their official discharge documentation within 30 days of separation to confirm their eligibility. If the official paperwork isn't submitted, the agency can rescind any appointment or benefit granted based on the certification, but only after providing notice and an opportunity for the individual to respond. The bill clarifies that this predischarge certification can only be used for initial hiring preference and not for layoff or retention preference unless official discharge documents are provided.