Committee hears bill to add Space Force and uniformed services to state benefits definitions

The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs and Elections Committee on Feb. 11 heard Senate Bill 5420, which would align Washington’s definitions for armed forces and uniformed services with federal law and explicitly recognize the U.S. Space Force for state benefits and preferences.

Committee staff explained the bill updates definitions so that the U.S. Space Force is recognized as part of the organized militia of the state and that the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps are treated consistently with other uniformed services. Staff said the change will conform state law with federal definitions and facilitate benefits such as civil-service hiring and pension credit, and could support integration of a Space Force unit into the state National Guard if such a unit were based in Washington.

Senator John Lubbock, sponsor and a Coast Guard veteran, said the bill recognizes service members and their families and helps provide employment opportunities, career continuity and reduced administrative waste. Tammy Perot of the Department of Defense testified in support, saying the bill took several years of interagency work to ensure Space Force and uniformed-service members are covered by state laws in the same way as other service branches.

Staff said a fiscal note was requested; no committee action was taken in the hearing record. The committee received testimony in support and closed the hearing; staff reported 71 pro respondents and no written opposition.

Sponsors and defense representatives urged the committee to move the bill to executive session and to the floor.