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Bill > HB2309


WA HB2309

WA HB2309
Reducing barriers to state employment by eliminating postgraduate degree requirements that are unnecessary.


summary

Introduced
01/12/2026
In Committee
02/24/2026
Crossed Over
01/29/2026
Passed
03/14/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/14/2026

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT Relating to reducing barriers to state employment by 2 eliminating postgraduate degree requirements that are unnecessary; 3 and reenacting and amending RCW 41.06.157. 4

AI Summary

This bill amends a state law, RCW 41.06.157, to reduce barriers to state employment by ensuring that postgraduate degree requirements are not the sole way to demonstrate qualifications for a role, unless legally mandated for specific job functions. The changes aim to create a more streamlined and effective state workforce by supporting agencies in adapting to changing conditions, valuing diversity, enhancing career mobility, and considering competitive pay rates in both public and private sectors. The bill also clarifies that individuals legally authorized to work in the U.S., including deferred action for childhood arrivals recipients, are eligible for state employment unless otherwise prohibited by law.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (8)

Last Action

Effective date 6/11/2026. (on 03/14/2026)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2309&Year=2025&Initiative=false
Final bill report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/2309%20HBR%20FBR%2026.pdf
BillText https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/2309.SL.pdf
BillText https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/House%20Passed%20Legislature/2309.PL.pdf
House bill report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/2309%20HBR%20PL%2026.pdf
Senate bill report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/2309%20SBR%20APS%2026.pdf
Senate bill report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/2309%20SBR%20SGTE%20OC%2026.pdf
Senate bill report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/2309%20SBR%20SGTE%20TA%2026.pdf
Fiscal Note - 2309 HB (Final) https://fnspublic.ofm.wa.gov/FNSPublicSearch/GetPDF?packageID=77053
Senate bill report (orig.) https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/2309%20SBA%20SGTE%2026.pdf
House bill report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/2309%20HBR%20APH%2026.pdf
House bill report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/2309%20HBR%20SGOV%2026.pdf
House bill analysis 2026 https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/2309%20HBA%20SGOV%2026.pdf
BillText https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/2309.pdf
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