BILL · 2025–26 SESSION

HB 1073: National guard retention

Keeping our Washington national guard strong act.

Summary

Creates a Washington National Guard retention program.
Directs the Adjutant General to study retention needs, determine eligibility criteria, and determine the amount and schedule of retention bonuses.
Requires the Military Department to report on retention needs and recommendations every three years.

From the House Bill Report (HB 1073), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · passed House, stalled in Senate

AN ACT Relating to keeping our Washington national guard strong act;

Passed February 17, 2026

Version voted on: HB 1073

96 Yea 1 Nay 0 Absent 1 Excused

Party	Yea	Nay	Absent	Excused
Democrat	57	1	0	1
Republican	39	0	0	0

How each member voted

Mar 12, 2026By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading.
Feb 19, 2026First reading, referred to State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections.
Feb 17, 2026Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 1.
Feb 17, 2026Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Feb 17, 2026Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
Feb 9, 2026Referred to Rules 2 Review.
Feb 9, 2026APP - Majority; do pass.
Feb 9, 2026APP - Executive action taken by committee.
Jan 12, 2026By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
Jan 22, 2025Referred to Appropriations.
Jan 21, 2025TEDV - Executive action taken by committee.
Jan 21, 2025TEDV - Majority; do pass.
Jan 13, 2025First reading, referred to Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans.
Dec 16, 2024Prefiled for introduction.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

HB 1073 (2023–24) Medical assistants · Enacted · Chapter 134, Laws of 2023
HB 1073 (2021–22) Paid leave coverage · Enacted · Chapter 109, Laws of 2021
HB 1073 (2019–20) Undetectable firearms · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 1073 (2017–18) Freight deliverers · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 1073 (2015–16) Prevailing rate of wage · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 1073 (2013–14) Proprty tx, state-owned land · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 1073 (2011–12) Disposition of remains · Enacted · Chapter 5, Laws of 2012
HB 1073 (2009–10) Small loans · Did not pass · died in committee