Bill Analysis, HB 1073: Keeping Our Washington National Guard Strong Act

Summary

House of Representatives Office of Program Research bill analysis for the Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Committee on HB 1073, the Keeping our Washington national guard strong act, with a hearing date of 1/15/25. The bill requires the Adjutant General to create a National Guard Retention Program, study retention needs, set eligibility criteria in policy, and determine the amount and payment schedule of any reenlistment bonus. The Military Department must report to the Governor and the Legislature at least once every three years, beginning November 1, 2027. The analysis lists the appropriation as none and says the bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which it is passed.

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Washington State                    BILL
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research   ANALYSIS
Technology, Economic Development, &
Veterans Committee
                                        HB 1073
Brief Description: Keeping our Washington national guard strong act.

Sponsors: Representatives Leavitt, Abbarno, Ryu, Shavers, Paul, Timmons, Simmons, Rule,
    Barnard, Nance, Reeves and Donaghy.


                                     Brief Summary of Bill
          • Creates a Washington National Guard retention program.
          • Directs the Adjutant General to study retention needs, determine
            eligibility criteria, and determine the amount and schedule of retention
            bonuses.
          • Requires the Military Department to report on retention needs and
            recommendations every three years.


Hearing Date: 1/15/25

Staff: Martha Wehling (786-7067).

Background:

The State Militia.
The Washington Constitution provides for the organization of the state militia. The Governor
serves as Commander in Chief, and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoints an
Adjutant General, who is Chief of Staff to the Governor and is the executive head of the militia.

The organized militia consists of the National Guard and the State Guard. The National Guard is
the military force of Washington that is organized, equipped, and federally recognized under the




     This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative
     members in their deliberations. This analysis is not part of the legislation nor does it
     constitute a statement of legislative intent.

House Bill Analysis                             -1-                                         HB 1073
National Defense Act and includes approximately 8,400 citizen soldiers and airmen in the Army
National Guard and the Air National Guard. The Adjutant General commands the National
Guard and recruits, trains, maintains, and administers the organized militia.

The Governor may order the organized militia into active service to execute Washington's laws
or perform duties the Governor deems proper in certain circumstances or in imminent belief of
those circumstances, including war, insurrection, rebellion, invasion, tumult, riot, mob, organized
violence, or public disaster. The organized militia may also be ordered into active service to
enforce controlled substances statutes, prepare for or recover from the specified circumstances,
or when otherwise required for public health, safety, or welfare, including failure of responsible
civil authorities to preserve law and order or protect life or property. The National Guard is also
subject to the call of the President of the United States to serve as part of the United States
military.

National Guard Enlistment.
National Guard enlistment must conform with the federal Department of Defense laws and
regulations, which specify the requirements for reenlistment.

Summary of Bill:

The Adjutant General is required to create a National Guard Retention Program (Program). The
Program is required to study National Guard retention needs to determine the amount of any
reenlistment bonus that will encourage members to extend their terms of service. Retention
needs may include factors such as length of service, critical skills needed, reenlistment term, and
conversion of skills.

The Adjutant General is required to determine eligibility criteria for the Program and specify the
criteria in policy. Any changes to the criteria are required to be published. The Adjutant
General is also required to determine the amount of any reenlistment bonus and the schedule to
make bonus payments.

The Military Department is required to report to the Governor and the Legislature at least once
every three years, beginning November 1, 2027, on retention needs and recommendations.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 6, 2025.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is
passed.




House Bill Analysis                             -2-                                        HB 1073


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