The bill establishes a state trooper 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 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. This incentive must be disbursed by June 30, 2025.

The bill also includes provisions that ensure the longevity bonus does not interfere with collective bargaining rights and clarifies that the bonus is not included in pension benefit calculations. It mandates quarterly reports from the Washington State Patrol regarding the average filled positions in field force trooper roles compared to authorized positions. The legislation is time-limited, expiring on June 30, 2029, and is deemed 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