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 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 clarifies that the longevity bonus is a temporary measure aimed at retaining senior personnel and will not be included in pension benefit calculations. It emphasizes that the benefits are not contractual rights and can be altered or abolished by the legislature. 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 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.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.43.386