SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5292

BYSenators Conner and Bauer

Permitting certain retired veterans to be eligible for veterans' preferences for public employment purposes.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 25, 1987; March 4, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5292 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Halsan, Chairman; Garrett, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Talmadge.

Senate Staff:Barbara Howard (786-7410); Walt Corneille (786-7452)

                  March 5, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, MARCH 4, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The State Civil Service Law and the Higher Education Personnel Act require that the respective personnel boards adopt rules pertaining to employment preferences for veterans.  One specific provision is a prohibition against providing seniority for layoffs and reemployment for a veteran who had voluntarily retired from military service with more than 20 years of active service and whose military retirement pay exceeds $500 per month.  It has been suggested that retired veterans should receive the same preference in seniority as other veterans.

SUMMARY:

The proviso declaring that a veteran who has voluntarily retired with more than 20 years of active military service and whose military retirement pay is in excess of $500 per month is excluded from coverage by personnel rules concerning layoffs and reemployment is removed.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The proviso prohibiting retired veterans from receiving preference for seniority is restored, but the maximum income is raised to $1,000 per month.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Mark Brown, WFSE; John M. Libby, Sr., VFW; Lew Brewer, American Legion; Eugene St. John, WPEA