This bill establishes a state trooper 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, 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. The bill also includes provisions that the bonus is subject to collective bargaining agreements and clarifies that it will not affect pension calculations.

The legislation emphasizes that the longevity bonus is a temporary measure aimed at retaining senior personnel and is not a contractual right, meaning the legislature can modify or eliminate these benefits at any time. 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, taking effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.43.386