CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT

ENGROSSED SENATE BILL 6626

Chapter 328, Laws of 2020

66TH LEGISLATURE

2020 REGULAR SESSION

MILITARY SPOUSE LIAISON--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 11, 2020

ENGROSSED SENATE BILL 6626

AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE

BySenators Conway, O'Ban, Hunt, Zeiger, Hobbs, Becker, Randall, Short, Brown, and Wagoner

AN ACT Relating to creating the position of military spouse liaison; and adding a new section to chapter 43.60A RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 43.60A RCW to read as follows:

(1) The position of military spouse liaison is created within the department.

(2) The duties of the military spouse liaison include, but are not limited to:

(a) Conducting outreach to and advocating on behalf of military spouses in Washington;

(b) Providing assistance and information to military spouses seeking professional licenses and credentials or other employment in Washington;

(c) Coordinating research on issues facing military spouses and creating informational materials to assist military spouses and their families;

(d) Examining barriers and providing recommendations to assist spouses in accessing high quality child care and developing resources in coordination with military installations and the department of children, youth, and families to increase access to high quality child care for military families; and

(e) Developing, in coordination with the employment security department and employers, a common form for military spouses to complete highlighting specific skills, education, and training to help spouses quickly find meaningful employment in relevant economic sectors.

(3) The military spouse liaison is encouraged to periodically report on the work of the liaison to the relevant standing committees of the legislature and the joint committee on veterans' and military affairs and participate in policy development relating to military spouses.

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