Washington SB5827: Veterans/discharge def.

What the bill says

An act Relating to the definition of a "qualifying discharge" for the Washington state veterans' preference program for civil service; amending RCW 41.04.010 and 73.04.005; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.

From the enrolled text:

AN ACT Relating to the definition of a "qualifying discharge" for the Washington state veterans' preference program for civil service; amending RCW 41.04.010 and 73.04.005; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that agencies may deny an applicant's request for veteran preference because the applicant is currently serving in the United States military and does not yet meet the definition of a veteran prior to the applicant's official discharge or release date from military service. The legislature further finds that some applicants are denied the preference despite receipt of an official statement of service memorandum from their commanding officer or delegated authority that includes expected discharge characterization and expected discharge or release from service date. The legislature recognizes the negative impact these actions have on active duty service members who are in the process of securing jobs prior to their separation date from service because service members generally do not receive a DD form 214 (military separation paperwork) until their last day of active service and most service members would prefer to have civilian jobs secured prior to their separation date. The legislature intends to clarify the requirements for veteran preference to ensure a smooth transition into civil employment. Sec. 2. RCW 41.04.010 and 2024 c 146 s 14 are each amended to read as …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Chris Gildon (R) · primary sponsor
• Leonard Christian (R)
• Perry Dozier (R)
• Wilson, Jeff (R, 19)

Latest actions

1. March 23, 2026: Effective date 6/11/2026.
2. March 23, 2026: Chapter 146, 2026 Laws.
3. March 23, 2026: Governor signed.
4. March 12, 2026: Delivered to Governor.
5. March 11, 2026: Speaker signed.
6. March 9, 2026: President signed.
7. March 6, 2026: Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.
8. March 6, 2026: Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
9. March 5, 2026: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
10. March 2, 2026: Referred to Rules 2 Review.

Votes

• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (March 6, 2026): 96 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Committee on Appropriations: Do pass (March 2, 2026): 29 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations: Do pass (February 25, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 13, 2026): 48 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Senate Committee on Ways & Means: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5827 as recommended by Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass (February 9, 2026): 23 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5827 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass (January 23, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB5827?

SB5827 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Veterans/discharge def.

What does SB5827 do?

In its own words: An act Relating to the definition of a "qualifying discharge" for the Washington state veterans' preference program for civil service; amending RCW 41.04.010 and 73.04.005; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.

What is the status of SB5827?

Signed into law as of March 23, 2026. Latest action: Effective date 6/11/2026. (March 23, 2026).

Who sponsored SB5827?

Chris Gildon (R), with 3 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB5827?

On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5827&Year=2025