The bill establishes a memorial on the Washington State Capitol campus to honor service members who died in the global war on terror, specifically during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. It amends RCW 43.34.100 to include provisions for the memorial, which will recognize these service members and include a component reflecting on the number of veterans who have died by suicide after serving in these conflicts. The design of the memorial is intended to provide a sacred space for healing and reflection for veterans and military families. Additionally, the Capitol Committee is required to consult with the Department of Enterprise Services and the newly formed Global War on Terror Memorial Work Group during the planning and construction of the memorial.

The bill also creates the Global War on Terror Memorial Work Group, which will consist of various state officials and representatives from veterans' organizations. This group is tasked with studying and making recommendations regarding the memorial, including potential names to honor, locations for construction, design proposals, and funding sources. The work group must convene its first meeting by July 15, 2026, and provide a detailed report to the Capitol Committee. The bill encourages the completion of the memorial's planning and construction within five years of receiving sufficient funding, and it outlines the process for selecting a sculptor and conducting a ceremony for the memorial's unveiling. The work group will expire after the memorial is unveiled, with the Secretary of State responsible for notifying relevant parties upon completion.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 43.34.100