HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2137
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
State Government, Elections & Information Technology
Title: An act relating to veterans' scoring criteria.
Brief Description: Modifying the veterans' scoring criteria in competitive examinations.
Sponsors: Representatives Kraft, Griffey, Klippert, Smith, Rodne and Haler.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
State Government, Elections & Information Technology: 1/30/18, 2/2/18 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, ELECTIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Hudgins, Chair; Dolan, Vice Chair; McDonald, Ranking Minority Member; Kraft, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Gregerson, Irwin and Pellicciotti.
Staff: Desiree Omli (786-7105).
Background:
Some classified service positions require a competitive examination as a condition to appointment. An honorably discharged veteran may claim a scoring preference in competitive examinations used to determine qualifications for state and local public employment. The preference is a certain percentage added to the passing score on an exam that varies based on the veteran's status. A veteran who served during a period of war or in an armed conflict and does not receive military retirement is eligible for a 10 percent preference until their first appointment. A veteran who did not serve during a period of war or in an armed conflict or is receiving military retirement is eligible for a 5 percent preference until their first appointment. A veteran who was called to active military service from employment with the state or local government is eligible for a 5 percent preference until the first promotion.
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Summary of Bill:
The veterans' scoring preference is calculated by adding a certain number of points to a passing score on a competitive exam. Veterans within each respective preference category may claim five or 10 points to their passing score.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This is an important bill for our service members who served our country and defended our freedom. The bill levels the playing field for military members. The new proposed method of calculation will result in scores being more fairly tallied than it is today. Under the current method, if a veteran receives 80 percent on an exam and qualifies for a 10 percent preference, 8 percent will be added to the veteran's score of 80 percent for a total of 88 percent. Under the new proposed method, rather than 10 percent, 10 points will be added to the veteran's score of 80 points, for a total of 90 points. This simplifies the scoring criteria making it easier to tally.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Kraft, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.