The bill establishes a state patrol longevity bonus for eligible commissioned employees of the Washington State Patrol who have completed 26 or more years of service. Starting July 1, 2024, these employees will receive an annual bonus of $15,000, paid in four quarterly installments. Additionally, employees who completed 26 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 includes provisions that the longevity bonus is subject to collective bargaining agreements and clarifies that it will not affect pension calculations.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Washington State Patrol submit quarterly reports on the average filled positions in field force trooper roles compared to the authorized total of 683 positions. The legislation emphasizes that the longevity bonus is a temporary measure aimed at retaining senior personnel and is not a contractual right, allowing the legislature to modify or eliminate these benefits at any time. The provisions of this act will expire on June 30, 2029, and it is declared necessary for the immediate preservation of public safety and state government functions, taking effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.43.386
Bill as Passed Legislature: 43.43.386
Session Law: 43.43.386