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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Security, January 27, 2015

Note: Senate Resolution 8609 adopted January 27, 2015, renamed the Committee on Government Operations & State Security to Committee on Government Operations & Security

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].

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.