Washington · 2025-2026 Biennium (69th Legislature)

Concerning the definition of a "qualifying discharge" for the Washington state veterans' preference program for civil service.

AN ACT Relating to the definition of a "qualifying discharge" for the Washington state veterans' preference program for civil service;

SSB 5827·Senate·Bill

Sen. Chris GildonState Senate · LD-25·3 cosponsors

Fiscal noteState YesLocal No

Effective dateJune 11, 2026

Primary sponsor

Chris GildonState Senate · LD-25

Cosponsors

Leonard ChristianState Senate · LD-04

Perry DozierState Senate · LD-16

Jeff WilsonState Senate · LD-19

Floor votes

Senate · 3rd Reading & Final Passage · SSB 5827Feb 13, 202648–0

House · 3rd Reading & Final Passage · SSB 5827Mar 6, 202696–0

Legislative history

Dec 4, 2025

Prefiled for introduction.

Jan 12, 2026

First reading, referred to State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections.

Jan 23, 2026

SGTE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

Jan 23, 2026

And refer to Ways & Means.

Jan 26, 2026

Referred to Ways & Means.

Feb 9, 2026

WM - Majority; do pass 1st substitute bill proposed by State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections.

Feb 9, 2026

Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

Feb 10, 2026

Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

Feb 13, 2026

1st substitute bill substituted.

Feb 13, 2026

Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

Feb 13, 2026

Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

Feb 17, 2026

First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Relations.

Feb 25, 2026

SGOV - Executive action taken by committee.

Feb 25, 2026

SGOV - Majority; do pass.

Feb 25, 2026

Referred to Appropriations.

Mar 2, 2026

APP - Executive action taken by committee.

Mar 2, 2026

APP - Majority; do pass.

Mar 2, 2026

Referred to Rules 2 Review.

Mar 5, 2026

Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

Mar 6, 2026

Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

Mar 6, 2026

Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.

Mar 9, 2026

President signed.

Mar 11, 2026

Speaker signed.

Mar 12, 2026

Delivered to Governor.

Mar 23, 2026

Governor signed.

Mar 23, 2026

Chapter 146, 2026 Laws.

Mar 23, 2026

Effective date 6/11/2026.

Bill text

Original Bill Substitute Bill Bill as Passed Legislature

Bill reports

Senate Bill Report (Orig.) — Initial Bill Report 01-16-26 Senate Bill Report — Testimony Added 01-16-26 Senate Bill Report — Reported by SGTE 01-23-26 Senate Bill Report — Initial Bill Report 02-02-26 Senate Bill Report — Testimony Added 02-02-26 Senate Bill Report — Reported by WM 02-09-26 Substitute Senate Bill Report — Passed Senate 02-13-26 Substitute House Bill Analysis 2026 — Initial House Analysis 02-24-26 Substitute House Bill Report — Reported by SGOV 02-25-26 Substitute House Bill Report — Reported by APP 03-02-26 Substitute House Bill Report — Passed House 03-06-26 Final Bill Report — Final Bill Report 2026

Session law

Chapter 146, Laws of 2026