The bill amends several sections of Washington state law to allow law enforcement agencies and prosecuting attorney offices to hire individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States, rather than restricting employment to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Specifically, the bill modifies RCW 10.93.165, 10.93.200, 41.08.070, 41.12.070, 41.14.100, 36.27.040, 43.101.095, and 77.15.075 to replace the requirement of being a citizen or lawful permanent resident with the broader criterion of being legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that these provisions must be interpreted in accordance with federal law and regulations, ensuring that employers cannot bypass work authorization requirements.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section to chapter 36.27 RCW, mandating that employees of prosecuting attorneys' offices must also be legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law. This section reiterates the importance of compliance with federal work authorization regulations, ensuring that the hiring practices of law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies align with federal standards. Overall, the bill aims to expand the pool of eligible candidates for law enforcement and prosecutorial positions while maintaining adherence to federal employment laws.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 10.93.165, 10.93.200, 41.08.070, 41.12.070, 41.14.100, 36.27.040, 43.101.095, 77.15.075