Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Government Operations & Elections Committee

HB 1537

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.

Brief Description: Addressing a veteran's preference for the purpose of public employment.

Sponsors: Representatives O'Ban, Angel, Hayes, Green, Zeiger, Bergquist, Johnson, Ryu, Morrell and Shea.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Changes the preference in competitive examinations for public employment received by veterans with different statuses.

  • Authorizes veterans to claim the preference upon receipt of separation orders.

Hearing Date: 2/13/13

Staff: Jasmine Vasavada (786-7301).

Background:

Honorably discharged veterans receive a preference in public employment, upon separation from the military. In all competitive examinations for state and local public employment other than promotional examinations, veterans with a passing score are given bonus points in the form of an added percentage. The percentage varies based on the veteran's status:

Status

Preference

Served during a period of war or armed conflict and has not received military retirement

10 percent

Served during a period of war or armed conflict and is receiving military retirement

5 percent

Did not serve during a period of war or armed conflict

5 percent

Was called to active military service from employment with the state or any of its political subdivisions

5 percent, and applies to promotional examinations until the first promotion

Summary of Bill:

Changes are made to the preference percentages a veteran receives.

Status

Preference

Served during a period of war or armed conflict

10 percent

Did not serve during a period of war or armed conflict

5 percent

Was called to active military service from employment with the state or any of its political subdivisions

5 percent, and applies to promotional examinations until the first promotion

Veterans may claim the preference in employment upon receipt of separation orders, if the orders indicate an honorable discharge. The preference status becomes permanent upon actual separation.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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