SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1459

BYHouse Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Barnes, Beck, Sanders, Rasmussen, H. Sommers, K. Wilson and Ferguson)

Providing employment preferences for persons with disabilities.

House Committe on State Government

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 22, 1988

Senate Staff:Desley Brooks (786-7443); Barbara Howard (786-7410)

AS OF FEBRUARY 19, 1988

BACKGROUND:

There are two statutes which regulate hiring of physically disabled persons.  RCW 41.06.150(22) and RCW 28B.16.100(22) classify disabled persons as a protected group; therefore, agency affirmative action plans must include goals and procedures for adequate representation of disabled persons.  At the same time, Chap. 70.84 RCW provides that physically disabled persons must be employed in the same terms and conditions as able-bodied persons.

Under current law, veterans are given a preference in scoring competitive examinations for a period of eight years after their release from active service.  Under the veterans' preference, either 5 or 10 percent will be added to a veteran's score depending upon whether the veteran is receiving retirement payments or has been called back to active duty during a period of war.

SUMMARY:

Persons who have sensory, mental, or physical handicaps are to be given a preference on competitive examinations for positions in state government or institutions of higher education.  The preference is to be in the form of 5 percent added to the individual's passing score based upon a possible perfect score of 100 percent.  The preference does not apply in cases where the person is unable to perform the work.  In addition, the preference is restricted to competitive examinations and may not be applied to a promotional examination score.

The Department of Personnel and the Higher Education Personnel Board are required to establish criteria for determining eligibility for the preference.  Rules adopted by the boards must ensure equal treatment of employees between jurisdictions.

Veterans who are eligible for both the veteran's preference and the preference for handicapped persons may claim only one.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 18, 1988