The bill seeks to redefine the term "veteran" in Washington state law to align with federal definitions, thereby broadening eligibility for state veterans' benefits. It replaces the requirement for an "honorable discharge" with a more inclusive "qualifying discharge," which encompasses discharges characterized as general under honorable conditions or other than honorable if related to the individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. This change is intended to ensure that veterans who faced discrimination are recognized and can access the benefits they deserve. The bill also establishes an outreach program to inform veterans about their benefits and repeals outdated provisions while introducing new criteria for qualifying discharges and documentation requirements.

In addition to redefining veteran eligibility, the bill amends various laws related to educational benefits, civil service, and recreational licenses for veterans. It clarifies the criteria for issuing high school diplomas to veterans, updates definitions related to residency for military personnel, and specifies that surviving spouses of veterans are entitled to benefits regardless of the veteran's service length. The bill also addresses the issuance of hunting and fishing licenses for veterans and modifies requirements for claims related to deceased veterans, removing the need for an "honorable conditions" discharge. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the recognition and support for veterans and their families in Washington state, ensuring they have access to the benefits and services they are entitled to.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.04.005, 41.04.007, 2.48.070, 2.48.090, 2.48.100, 9.46.070, 28A.230.120, 28B.15.012, 28B.15.621, 28B.102.020, 41.04.010, 41.06.133, 41.08.040, 41.12.040, 43.24.130, 43.60A.190, 43.70.270, 46.18.270, 46.18.280, 46.18.295, 46.20.027, 46.20.161, 72.36.030, 73.08.005, 73.08.080, 77.32.480, 77.32.450
Substitute Bill: 41.04.005, 41.04.007, 2.48.070, 2.48.090, 2.48.100, 9.46.070, 28A.230.120, 28B.15.012, 28B.15.621, 28B.102.020, 41.04.010, 41.06.133, 41.08.040, 41.12.040, 41.16.220, 43.24.130, 43.60A.190, 43.70.270, 46.18.210, 46.18.270, 46.18.280, 46.18.295, 46.20.027, 46.20.161, 72.36.030, 73.08.005, 73.08.080, 77.32.480, 77.32.450
Second Substitute: 41.04.005, 41.04.007, 2.48.070, 2.48.090, 2.48.100, 9.46.070, 28A.230.120, 28B.15.012, 28B.15.621, 28B.102.020, 41.04.010, 41.06.133, 41.08.040, 41.12.040, 41.16.220, 43.24.130, 43.60A.190, 43.70.270, 46.18.210, 46.18.270, 46.18.280, 46.18.295, 46.20.027, 46.20.161, 72.36.030, 73.08.005, 73.08.080, 73.16.120, 77.32.480, 77.32.450
Bill as Passed Legislature: 41.04.005, 41.04.007, 2.48.070, 2.48.090, 2.48.100, 9.46.070, 28A.230.120, 28B.15.012, 28B.15.621, 28B.102.020, 41.04.010, 41.06.133, 41.08.040, 41.12.040, 41.16.220, 43.24.130, 43.60A.190, 43.70.270, 46.18.210, 46.18.270, 46.18.280, 46.18.295, 46.20.027, 46.20.161, 72.36.030, 73.08.005, 73.08.080, 73.16.120, 77.32.480, 77.32.450
Session Law: 41.04.005, 41.04.007, 2.48.070, 2.48.090, 2.48.100, 9.46.070, 28A.230.120, 28B.15.012, 28B.15.621, 28B.102.020, 41.04.010, 41.06.133, 41.08.040, 41.12.040, 41.16.220, 43.24.130, 43.60A.190, 43.70.270, 46.18.210, 46.18.270, 46.18.280, 46.18.295, 46.20.027, 46.20.161, 72.36.030, 73.08.005, 73.08.080, 73.16.120, 77.32.480, 77.32.450