Committee hears bill to modernize state law to extend veteran benefits to additional uniformed services and to support military spouses

The Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee heard Feb. 18 from the bill's sponsor and agency representatives on Senate Bill 5420, aimed at updating Washington state law to extend benefits and employment preferences to additional uniformed services and to support military spouses.

Emily Poole, staff to the committee, summarized SB 5420 and said it would add members of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps to benefit categories where they were not previously named, extend public employment preference to spouses of active-duty members, and make related changes to retirement and licensing provisions. Poole said additional details are available in the bill analysis and offered to answer questions.

Senator John Lubbock (44th) testified as the bill's prime sponsor and thanked staff and collaborators. "I'm hoping we will get it over the finish line," Lubbock said, adding that the bill passed the Senate by a vote he reported as "48 to 1." He invited questions from committee members.

Tammy (representing the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs and Military Department) testified in strong support. She said the bill "modernizes Washington state code to reflect the evolving needs of our military members, veterans, uniformed service members, and their families," and specifically cited recognition of the Space Force (established in 2019), inclusion of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps under the Washington Service Members Civil Relief Act, eligibility for certain state retirement systems and civil service preferences, and Department of Licensing license extensions for NOAA officers. Tammy also said the bill empowers private employers to prioritize military spouse hiring and allows the state to give preference to military spouses in state hiring.

Committee members briefly discussed previous amendments and companion measures; Senator Lubbock and House sponsor Representative Shavers were identified as collaborators who will coordinate on any amendments. The committee closed the hearing on SB 5420 without taking a vote and adjourned for the day.