HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2004

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

As Reported by House Committee On:

Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs

Title: An act relating to the retirement age for state guard members.

Brief Description: Concerning the retirement age for state guard members.

Sponsors: Representative Klippert.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs: 2/15/17, 2/16/17 [DPS], 1/23/18 [DP2S].

Brief Summary of Second Substitute Bill

Eliminates the age restriction for enlistment with the Washington State Guard.
Expands the Adjutant General's ability to extend the service age of an active member of the Washington State Guard beyond existing limits and under certain conditions.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING & TRIBAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report: The second substitute bill be substituted therefor and the second substitute bill do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Ryu, Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; Barkis, Ranking Minority Member; McCabe, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Jenkin, Reeves and Sawyer.

Staff: Kirsten Lee (786-7133).

Background:

The Washington State Guard (Guard) is a military unit organized by the Washington State Military Department. Members of the Guard are volunteers and serve 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.

The period of enlistment in the Guard is set by rules adopted by the Adjutant General. However, the term of service must be completed before the applicant reaches 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.

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Summary of Second Substitute Bill:

The age limit on enlistment to the Guard is eliminated. The Adjutant General has full discretion to decide the period of enlistment for Guard members.

The Adjutant General may extend a Guard member's service age beyond age 64 for a one-year duration upon request of an active member of the Guard if:

the member is physically and mentally capable of completing all assigned mission tasks;
the Washington State Guard Officer Review Board recommends the extension; and
if the member is over the age of 68, the member is willing to sign a statement releasing the Guard and the Military Department of liability for physical or mental injuries resulting from or related to the member's age.

Second Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The second substitute bill limits who is required to sign a statement releasing the Washington State Guard and Military Department of liability, to extend their service age beyond age 64, to guard members over the age of 68.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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