This bill seeks to improve access to state benefits and employment opportunities for veterans, uniformed service members, and military spouses in Washington State. It introduces a new section that highlights the sacrifices made by these individuals and establishes a hiring preference for veterans and military spouses in public service employment. Key amendments include the addition of "uniformed services" to various sections, which now encompasses the United States Public Health Service and NOAA commissioned officers. The bill also modifies definitions related to military service, ensuring that honorably discharged or actively serving members are credited with their service time for employment benefits, and mandates that licenses for professionals entering military service remain valid and can be renewed upon discharge.

Additionally, the bill enhances employment preferences for veterans and military spouses in both public and private sectors by introducing new definitions, such as "qualifying discharge," which includes honorable discharges and those related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. It specifies that spouses of active duty service members and veterans with service-connected disabilities are entitled to employment preferences. The bill ensures that individuals returning from active military duty are treated as being on furlough or leave of absence, allowing them to retain their seniority and benefits, while emphasizing that these preferences do not violate any state or local equal employment opportunity laws. Overall, the bill aims to create a more supportive framework for military personnel and their families, facilitating their reintegration into the workforce.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 38.04.010, 38.42.010, 41.18.150, 41.20.050, 41.40.170, 43.24.130, 41.04.010, 41.44.120, 73.16.031, 73.16.010, 73.16.051, 73.16.110
Substitute Bill: 38.04.010, 38.42.010, 41.18.150, 41.20.050, 41.40.170, 43.24.130, 41.04.010, 41.44.120, 73.16.031, 73.16.010, 73.16.051, 73.16.110