The bill establishes a new section in chapter 38.24 RCW to create the Washington National Guard retention program, aimed at addressing retention needs within the National Guard. The program will be managed by the adjutant general, who will study factors such as length of service and critical skills retention to determine appropriate reenlistment bonuses. The adjutant general will also set eligibility criteria for the program, which must be documented in policy and made publicly available.

Additionally, the adjutant general will decide on the amount and payment schedule for the reenlistment bonuses. To ensure accountability and ongoing assessment of retention needs, the state military department is required to report to the governor and the legislature every three years, starting on November 1, 2027. This initiative aims to strengthen the Washington National Guard by incentivizing service members to extend their terms of service.