SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Governmental Operations, March 25, 2013
Title: An act relating to a veteran's preference for the purpose of public employment.
Brief Description: Addressing a veteran's preference for the purpose of public employment.
Sponsors: House Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Representatives O'Ban, Angel, Hayes, Green, Zeiger, Bergquist, Johnson, Ryu, Morrell and Shea).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/13/13, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 3/25/13 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Benton, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Member; Braun, Conway, Fraser and Rivers.
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: State law provides that honorably discharged veterans receive preference in public employment that may be claimed upon separation from the military. 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 a 10 percent preference. A veteran who did not serve during a period of war or armed conflict or who served during a period of war or armed conflict, but is receiving military retirement, is eligible for a 5 percent preference. A veteran who is called to active military service from employment with the state is eligible for a 5 percent preference until the first promotion.
Summary of Bill: Veteran scoring criteria status can be claimed upon receipt of separation orders indicating an honorable discharge and becomes permanent upon actual separation from the military.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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: With so many members of our armed forces separating from the military, many will be looking for work in the civilian sector. In the next three or four years 150,000 are expected to separate from the Army alone. This will let them start looking for civilian work before separation and avoid a period of inevitable unemployment. Hopefully this will save us money on unemployment expenses as well.
OTHER: I applied to over 50 law enforcement agencies, but my veterans' preference points could not be applied to my examination scores until I actually walked out the gate. I am against the amendment to the retirement penalty. There is a mistaken belief that we earn a lot in pension entitlements. Ten points would definitely help me be competitive in seeking a career in law enforcement.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative O'Ban, prime sponsor; Representative Angel.
OTHER: Keith Ciancio, Army retiree.