Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Housing, Human Services & Veterans Committee
HB 1122
Brief Description: Concerning the retirement age for state guard members.
Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Klippert, Ryu, Goodman, MacEwen and Orwall.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Eliminates the age restriction for enlistment with the Washington State Guard.
  • Allows the Adjutant General to extend the service age of an active member of the Washington State Guard under certain conditions.
Hearing Date: 1/19/21
Staff: Dawn Eychaner (786-7135).
Background:

The Washington State Guard (Guard) is a volunteer military unit organized under the Washington State Military Department and serving under the direction of the State's Adjutant General.  Guard members are available to serve the Governor in place of the National Guard in the event that the National Guard in Washington is called into federal service. The Governor may also call the Guard into State service in other instances, including natural disasters, search and rescue, or recovery operations.


Members of the Guard may serve up until age 64.  The Adjutant General may extend the service age upon request by an active member of the Guard if the Adjutant General determines the member's extension would be in the best interest of the Guard. Extensions are for a one-year duration and may be renewed until the member attains age 68.
Summary of Bill:

The age limit on enlistment to the Guard is eliminated and shall be set in regulation by the Adjutant General or his or her designee.  The Adjutant General or his or her designee may extend a Guard member's service age for a two-year duration upon the request of an active member of the Guard.  An extension may be renewed beyond age 64 if:

  • the member is physically and mentally capable of completing all assigned mission tasks; and
  • the Washington State Guard Officer Review Board recommends the extension.
Appropriation: No.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 15, 2021.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.