This bill seeks to improve access to state benefits and employment opportunities for veterans, uniformed service members, and military spouses in Washington State. It introduces a new section that highlights the sacrifices made by these individuals and establishes a hiring preference for veterans and military spouses in public service employment. Key amendments include the expansion of the definition of "uniformed services" to encompass members of the United States Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The bill also modifies existing laws to ensure that service members who have been honorably discharged or are currently serving receive credit for their service time in relation to employment benefits, and it mandates that licenses for professionals entering military service remain valid and can be renewed upon discharge.

Additionally, the bill enhances employment preferences for veterans and military spouses in both public and private sectors by broadening eligibility criteria and removing previous limitations that restricted preferences to veterans of specific wars or military campaigns. It introduces percentage-based scoring adjustments for competitive examinations, granting increases based on service history, and ensures that individuals returning from active duty are treated as being on furlough, allowing them to retain seniority and benefits. The bill also clarifies definitions related to retirement systems, ensuring that employees who have served during national emergencies receive prior service credit upon re-employment. Overall, the legislation aims to provide comprehensive support and recognition for veterans and their families within the state's employment and retirement systems.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 38.04.010, 38.42.010, 41.18.150, 41.20.050, 41.40.170, 43.24.130, 41.04.010, 41.44.120, 73.16.031, 73.16.010, 73.16.051, 73.16.110