RCW 10.93.165: Applicants—Work authorization.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section and RCW 43.101.095, a general authority Washington law enforcement agency or limited authority Washington law enforcement agency may consider the application of a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident for any office, place, position, or employment within the agency.

(2) For purposes of hiring an employee whose primary job function is to provide for the custody, safety, and security of adult persons in state correctional facilities or local jails, a general authority Washington law enforcement agency or limited authority Washington law enforcement agency may consider the application of a citizen of the United States or a person who is legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

(a) This subsection shall be interpreted and applied consistent with federal law and regulations. This subsection shall not be construed to permit the agency to override or bypass work authorization requirements stated in section 274a.2 of Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(b) The agency shall not be liable for a claim pursuant to RCW 49.60.030 or other applicable law if it rejects an application based on the agency's determination that the applicant's legal authorization to work in the United States under federal law is limited in such a manner as to make employment with the agency impracticable.