Bill > SB5827

This bill modifies the Washington state veterans' preference program for civil service by expanding the definition of a "qualifying discharge" to include a predischarge certification, which is a written statement from a service member's branch of service indicating an expected honorable discharge and release date. This change aims to help active-duty service members secure civilian jobs before their official separation date, as they often don't receive their DD Form 214 (military separation paperwork) until their last day of active duty. The bill clarifies that while a predischarge certification can be used to establish eligibility for initial appointment, official discharge documentation is still required for confirmation and for determining eligibility in layoff or retention actions. Agencies are required to develop procedures to verify these certifications and must provide notice and an opportunity to be heard before taking adverse actions based on discrepancies between the certification and official documents.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5827&Year=2025&Initiative=false