Bill to align Washington military‑justice victims’ rights with federal law advances to committee consideration

House Bill 2417, presented Feb. 16, would incorporate victim‑rights protections modeled on the federal Uniform Code of Military Justice into the Washington Code of Military Justice. Staff and military‑department witnesses said the bill creates parity so victims have consistent rights regardless of whether a service member is in federal or state status.

Jim Baumgart, intergovernmental affairs director for the Washington Military Department, said the bill delivers “consistency and equity” and improves operational clarity for commanders. Maria Desai Paris, a civil‑rights attorney and retired judge advocate testifying for veterans’ groups, said the change would remove procedural inconsistencies that can arise when service status changes and argued the change supports reporting, readiness and trust.

Committee members asked technical questions about definitions and the scope of the organized militia; witnesses pointed to statutory definitions and noted the legislation addresses an identified structural inconsistency.

The committee closed the hearing and recorded supporting testimony; the bill will proceed according to committee scheduling.