The bill aims to expand eligibility for certain public employment positions to include lawful permanent residents in Washington State. It introduces a new section to chapter 10.93 RCW, allowing both general and limited authority law enforcement agencies to consider applications from U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents for any position within the agency. Additionally, it amends several existing laws, including RCW 36.27.040, 41.08.070, 41.12.070, 41.14.100, and 77.15.075, to remove the requirement that applicants must be able to read and write the English language, thereby broadening the pool of eligible candidates.

The amendments also clarify that applicants for civil service positions must be of good moral character and suitable age, while ensuring that the law enforcement agencies retain the discretion to reject applications based on resource availability for background investigations. The bill emphasizes that the rights of applicants under state antidiscrimination laws remain intact, promoting inclusivity in public employment opportunities for lawful permanent residents.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.27.040, 41.08.070, 41.12.070, 41.14.100, 77.15.075