Washington § 73.16.010 - Preference in public employment.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 73.16.010 — Preference in public employment., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 73.16.010. Preference in public employment.

(1) In every public department, and upon all public works of the state, and of any county thereof, soldiers, sailors, airmen, guardians, marines and other members of the uniformed services with a qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005, and their widows or widowers, shall be preferred for appointment and employment. Age, loss of limb, or other physical impairment, which does not in fact incapacitate, shall not be deemed to disqualify them, provided they possess the capacity necessary to discharge the duties of the position involved: Spouses of active duty service members and spouses of veterans with a qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005 and who have a service connected permanent and total disability shall also be preferred for appointment and employment.
(2) "Veteran" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 41.04.005 and 41.04.007, and includes a current member of the national guard or armed forces reserves who has been deployed to serve in an armed conflict.
[ 2026 c 207 s 12; 2024 c 146 s 33; 1975 1st ex.s. c 198 s 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 154 s 107; 1951 c 29 s 1; 1943 c 141 s 1; 1919 c 26 s 1; 1915 c 129 s 1; 1895 c 84 s 1; Rem. Supp. 1943 s 10753.]

Notes

Findings—2026 c 207: See note following RCW 41.04.010.
Intent—2024 c 146: See note following RCW 73.04.005.
Severability—1973 1st ex.s. c 154: See note following RCW 2.12.030.
Veterans and uniformed service members to receive scoring criteria status in competitive examinations for public employment: RCW 41.04.010.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 73.16.010

What does Revised Code of Washington § 73.16.010 cover?

Section 73.16.010 ("Preference in public employment.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 73.16.010?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 73.16.010" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 73.16.010 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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