HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1065

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 Passed Legislature

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

Brief Description: Revising veterans' scoring criteria in examinations.

Sponsors: By Representatives Kelley, Morrell, Haigh, Miloscia, Hunt, Seaquist, Conway, P. Sullivan, McDonald, Haler, Moeller, B. Sullivan, Campbell and Hurst.

Brief History:

State Government & Tribal Affairs: 1/16/07, 1/17/07 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 1/26/07, 96-0.
Senate Amended.
Passed Senate: 4/13/07, 45-0.
House Concurred.
Passed House: 4/16/07, 95-0.
Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Clarifies that agencies or private companies contracted to administer competitive examinations for public employment are included in the entities that must give a scoring criteria status, or preference, to all veterans who sit for competitive examinations.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Green, Kretz, McDermott, Miloscia and Ormsby.

Staff: Colleen Kerr (786-7168).

Background:

State law provides that honorably discharged veterans receive preference in public employment. Some public employment positions require applicants to take a competitive examination. In those cases, preference is given to veterans by adding a certain percentage to the passing mark, grade, or rating of an examination. When scoring competitive exams, the state, including all of its political subdivisions and municipal corporations, must give the scoring criteria status (preference), as provided for in statute, to qualified veterans.

Summary of Bill:

Clarifies that agencies or private companies who are contracted to administer competitive examinations for public employment are included in the list of entities that must give veterans who take a competitive examination the statutory scoring preference.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) As a member of the Army Reserves I know that serving is an incredible burden on families and anything that the state can do to help with employment upon return is so important. The clarification will hold contractors to the same requirement as the state.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Kelley, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.