SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5074
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 Senate, February 4, 2015
Title: An act relating to veterans' scoring criteria.
Brief Description: Modifying the veterans' scoring criteria in competitive examinations.
Sponsors: Senators Bailey, Conway, Benton and Hobbs; by request of Department of Enterprise Services.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Security (Note: Senate Resolution 8609 adopted January 27, 2015, renamed the Committee on Government Operations & State Security to Committee on Government Operations & Security): 1/19/15, 1/27/15 [DP].
Passed Senate: 2/04/15, 49-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & SECURITY |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Pearson, Vice Chair; Liias, Ranking Minority Member; Habib and McCoy.
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: Competitive examinations for public employment or at private companies or agencies contracting with the state are on a 100-point scale. An honorably discharged veteran receives an added percentage to their score 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 increase. 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 increase. A veteran who is called to active military service from employment with the state is eligible for a 5 percent increase until the first promotion.
Summary of Bill: The percentage benefit for veterans applying for public employment is converted to a point benefit. A veteran who served during a period of war or armed conflict and does not receive military retirement is eligible for a ten-point increase. 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 five-point increase. A veteran who is called to active military service from employment with the state is eligible for a five-point increase until the veteran's first promotion.
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 is a good common-sense bill that simplifies things by taking away some of the risk in manual calculation. The bill encourages veteran employment. The current percentage-based method is inefficient and increases likelihood of error. The federal government and most other states use a points-based system.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Bailey, prime sponsor; Arlen Harris, Dept. of Enterprise Services.