2021 Regular Session

ByRepresentatives Lovick, Klippert, Ryu, Goodman, MacEwen, and Orwall

Prefiled 01/08/21.Read first time 01/11/21.Referred to Committee on Housing, Human Services & Veterans.

AN ACT Relating to the retirement age for state guard members; amending RCW 38.16.015; and declaring an emergency.

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

Sec. 1. RCW 38.16.015 and 2012 c 12 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The period of enlistment in the Washington state guard shall be set by regulation by the adjutant general or the adjutant general's designee. ((However, no original enlistment may be consummated unless the term thereof can be completed before the applicant attains the age of sixty-four.))

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section and RCW 38.12.180(2), the adjutant general, or the adjutant general's designee, may extend the service age upon request by an active member of the Washington state guard if the adjutant general, or the adjutant general's designee, determines the member's extension would be in the best interest of the Washington state guard. Extensions under this subsection have a ((one-year))two-year duration and may be renewed ((until the member attains the age of sixty-eight))beyond the age of sixty-four, subject to the discretion of the adjutant general or the adjutant general's designee, if:

(a) The member is physically and mentally capable to complete all assigned mission tasks; and

(b) The Washington state guard officer review board recommends the extension.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.