This bill establishes a state patrol longevity bonus for eligible commissioned employees of the Washington State Patrol. Starting July 1, 2024, employees who have completed 26 or more years of service will receive an annual bonus of $15,000, paid in four quarterly installments. Additionally, those who completed 26 or more years of service before this date and have been continuously employed for at least one year will qualify for a one-time retention incentive, calculated based on the fiscal quarter of their anniversary date, with a maximum payout of $3,750. The bill also emphasizes that the longevity bonus is a temporary measure aimed at retaining senior personnel and will not be included in pension benefit calculations.

The legislation includes provisions to ensure that the establishment of the longevity bonus does not interfere with collective bargaining rights and clarifies that the benefits are not guaranteed contractual rights, allowing the legislature to modify or eliminate them in the future. Furthermore, the Washington State Patrol is required to submit quarterly reports on the average filled positions in field force trooper roles compared to the authorized positions. The section detailing the longevity bonus will expire on June 30, 2029, and the act is declared necessary for the immediate preservation of public safety and state government functions, taking effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.43.386