SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2755
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 Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, February 22, 2008
Title: An act relating to veterans' scoring criteria.
Brief Description: Adjusting veterans' scoring criteria.
Sponsors: Representatives Kelley, Rodne, Hunt, Green, Wallace, Seaquist, Goodman, VanDeWege, Lantz, McCune, Hurst, Conway, Morrell and Haigh.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/07/08, 95-0.
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/22/08 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, McDermott, Pridemore and Swecker.
Staff: Cindy Calderon (786-7784)
Background: State law provides that honorably discharged veterans receive preference in public
employment. In all competitive examinations for state and local public employment, veterans are
given a scoring criteria (a percentage) to be added to a passing score. The added percentage
varies based on the veteran's status. A veteran who served during a period of war or armed
conflict, and does not receive military retirement, is eligible for 10 percent preference. A veteran
who did not serve during a period of war or armed conflict, or is receiving military retirement,
is eligible for 5 percent preference. A veteran who is called to active military service for one or
more years from employment with the state is eligible for a 5 percent preference for the first
promotional examination.
Summary of Bill: A veteran who is called to active military service from state employment is eligible for the 5 percent preference. The requirement that active miliary service be one or more years is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill will affect approximately 2,000 people; of that number approximately 10 percent have problems. We need to even the playing field for those who serve. This bill provides an incentive to join the Reserves.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Kelley, prime sponsor; Skip Dreps, Northwest Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America.