This bill amends various 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 reflect this change. The new language emphasizes that these provisions must be interpreted in accordance with federal law, ensuring that employers cannot bypass federal work authorization requirements.

Additionally, 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 United States. The amendments aim to align state hiring practices with federal regulations while maintaining the integrity of the hiring process for law enforcement and prosecutorial positions. The bill underscores the importance of compliance with federal law regarding work authorization, thereby reinforcing the legal framework within which these agencies operate.

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