SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6143

                    As of January 24, 1996

Title:  An act relating to employment preferences for merchant marines who served in war zones.

Brief Description:  Providing employment preferences for merchant marines who served in war zones.

Sponsors:  Senators Swecker and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  1/25/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Staff:  Katie Healy (786-7403)

Background:  Veterans receive specific preferences on competitive examinations for public employment.  Credit for military service is given when calculating firefighter or police officer pensions.  Credit is also given when calculating benefits under the state Public Employees Retirement System.  The definition of veteran includes an individual who has received an honorable discharge or a discharge for physical reasons with an honorable record, and who meets the criteria with regard to the type of military service.

Summary of Bill:  The definition of veteran is expanded.  A veteran includes a person with the appropriate discharge, and who served during any period of war as a merchant mariner with service aboard an ocean going vessel in a war zone.

An individual under the Public Employees Retirement System receives credit for military service, including acting as a merchant mariner with service aboard an ocean going vessel in a war zone.

Technical changes are made.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.