SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1605
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Transportation, April 8, 2025
Title: An act relating to the establishment of a state patrol longevity bonus.
Brief Description: Concerning the establishment of a state patrol longevity bonus.
Sponsors: Representatives Fey, Barkis, Leavitt, Shavers, Bronoske, Schmidt, Ormsby, Davis and Timmons.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/3/25, 91-6.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 4/08/25 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Expands eligibility for the Washington State Patrol longevity program to include certain eligible commissioned employees who completed 26 or more years of service before July 1, 2024.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Liias, Chair; Lovick, Vice Chair; Ramos, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Goehner, Assistant Ranking Member; Alvarado, Chapman, Christian, Cortes, Fortunato, Harris, Holy, Krishnadasan, Lovelett, MacEwen, Nobles, Shewmake, Valdez and Wilson, J..
Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)
Background:

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is responsible for traffic law enforcement, collision investigation, criminal interdiction, terrorism prevention, and motorist assistance on the interstate and state highway systems. Commissioned staff include a field force of 683 trooper positions and an estimated 250 commissioned nonfield-force positions supported by the transportation budget.

 

The Washington State Patrol Retirement System (WSPRS) is the retirement plan available to commissioned WSP employees. Members can retire at age 55 with five years of service or at any age with 25 years of service. Members are subject to mandatory retirement at age 65 unless they are serving as the Chief of WSP.  Compensation and personnel matters for troopers, sergeants, lieutenants, and captains are collectively bargained between their exclusive bargaining representatives and the state.

 

Beginning July 1, 2024, the Legislature established WSP Longevity Bonus Program whereby eligible commissioned employees completing 26 or more years of service are qualified for an annual $15,000 longevity bonus on the employee's anniversary date of state employment. The bonus is paid in four equal quarterly payments.  The WSP Longevity Program expires June 30, 2029.
Summary of Bill:

Eligibility for the WSP Longevity Program is expanded to include an eligible commissioned employee who completed 26 or more years of service before July 1, 2024, and who has been continuously employed by WSP for at least one year as of the effective date of this act. 

 

Under the expansion, eligible individuals who qualify will receive one-time retention incentive payments of $3,750 per quarter continuously employed compared to the employee's anniversary date based on a specified formula. The one-time retention incentive payments must be completed no later than June 30, 2025.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

None
Persons Testifying: No one.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.