SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5273

As Passed Senate, March 16, 2003

Title: An act relating to the veterans' scoring criteria in employment examinations.

Brief Description: Extending the use of veterans' scoring criteria in employment examinations.

Sponsors: Senators Roach, Winsley, Kastama, Shin, Franklin, Rasmussen, Oke, Swecker, Schmidt, Reardon, West and McCaslin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/11/03 [DP].

Passed Senate: 3/16/03, 46-1.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Stevens, Vice Chair; Kastama and McCaslin.

Staff: Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background: Veterans receive extra points in competitive examinations to determine qualification of applicants for public employment.

Ten points are given to wartime veterans who do not receive military retirement, for the examination resulting in the veteran's first appointment.

Five points are given to peace time veterans and to veterans receiving military retirement for the examination resulting in the veteran's first appointment.

Five points are given to veterans who are called into active military service for one year or more, from public employment. This applies only to the first promotional examination.

There is a limitation on receipt of all these veterans' points. They must be claimed within 15 years of the veteran's release from active service, with limited exceptions.

Summary of Bill: All exceptions and limitations are eliminated. The veterans' points remain available to veterans upon their release from active service.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: This is a bill with bipartisan support from veterans and non-veterans alike.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Senator Roach, prime sponsor.