SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5034

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, January 19, 2009

Sponsors: Senators Shin, Roach, Hobbs, Swecker, Kauffman, Marr, Kastama, Kilmer, McAuliffe and Haugen; by request of Joint Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs.

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; McDermott, Pridemore and Swecker.

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 a 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, or employment with any of its political subdivisions or municipal corporations, is eligible for a 5 percent preference. The requirement that active military service be for one year or more is removed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: It is a very good thing for the law to change to strike the one year or more provision to allow veterans to receive the 5 percent preference. Many times soldiers are not able to fulfill the year of service through no fault of their own. A deployment can be cut short for many reasons such as illness, injury, or family emergency. A soldier willing to serve and to risk danger should receive the preference when they return.