HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 5242
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 House:
April 5, 2007
Title: An act relating to an internship program for wounded combat veterans.
Brief Description: Establishing an internship program for wounded combat veterans.
Sponsors: By Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Hobbs, Hewitt, Haugen, Kastama, Fairley, Shin, Kline, Clements, Kohl-Welles, Keiser, Tom, Brandland, Murray, Roach, Spanel, Kauffman, Rockefeller, Regala, Jacobsen, McAuliffe, Berkey, Carrell, Sheldon, Kilmer, Rasmussen, Holmquist and Honeyford).
Brief History:
Transportation: 3/28/07, 3/30/07 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 4/5/07, 97-0.
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 21 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Jarrett, Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Armstrong, Curtis, Dickerson, Hailey, Hankins, Hudgins, Lovick, Rodne, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Springer, B. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace and Wood.
Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).
Background:
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has recently implemented a program to
assist wounded veterans in transitioning military skills into civilian careers. The VDOT's
Wounded Veteran Internship Program (Program) is designed to provide veterans with
full-time temporary positions that match their military skills, or teach them new skills. The
VDOT's Program is able to take advantage of the similarity between transportation jobs that
require skills common to military personnel, such as mapping, planning, procurement, and
quality control. Positions are for six months to two years and may result in permanent
placement with the VDOT or other businesses that work with the VDOT.
Summary of Bill:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) must establish an internship
program for returning wounded combat veterans. Positions may include, but are not limited
to, engineering, construction trades, logistics, and project planning. The emphasis of the
program should be to assist veterans who served in southern or central Asia (Operation
Enduring Freedom) and the Persian Gulf (Operation Iraqi Freedom). The WSDOT may
adopt rules to implement this program. Placement of veterans as apprentices under existing
apprenticeship programs is encouraged.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Returning wounded veterans may be unable to continue their military careers due
to their injuries. This bill allows wounded veterans to return to civilian life and be trained for
family wage jobs.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Hobbs, prime sponsor.