House Bill Analysis

SSB 5366

Title:  AN ACT Relating to veterans' scoring criteria in employment examinations.

Brief Description:  Changing scoring criteria for veterans' employment examinations.

Sponsor:  Senators Patterson and McCaslin.

Brief Summary

CChanges the criteria for determining the percentage to be added to the score of a veteran taking a competitive examination for government employment

CExtends the period within which a veteran can receive the percentage to fifteen years and allows the period to be extended for valid and extenuating reasons.

House State Government Committee

Staff:  Jim Morishima  (786-7191).

Background:

In competitive examinations for employment with state or local governments, veterans are given preference by adding the following percentages to their scores:

CTen percent to a veteran who is not receiving any retirement benefits;

CFive percent to a veteran who is receiving veterans retirement payments; and

CFive percent to a veteran who, after previous state or local public employment, is called or recalled to active military service for at least one year during a period of war (for the first promotional examination only).

A veteran must claim the examination preferences within eight years of the date of his or her release from active service.

Summary:

In competitive examinations for employment with state or local governments, veterans are given "scoring criteria status" by adding to the following percentages to their scores:

CTen percent to a veteran who served during a period of war or in a hostile environment who does not receive military retirement pay;

CFive percent to a veteran who did not serve during a war or in a hostile environment, or who is receiving military retirement pay; and

CFive percent to a veteran who was called to active duty for one year or more from state or local public employment.

A veteran must claim the scoring criteria status within fifteen years of release from active service, unless a valid and extenuating reason arises.  Valid and extenuating reasons include, but are not limited to:

CDocumented medical reasons beyond the control of the veteran;

CUnited States Department of Veterans' Affairs documented disabled veteran;

CAny veteran who has his or her employment terminated through no fault or action of his or her own and whose livelihood is adversely affected may seek scoring criteria employment consideration.

Rule Making Authority: No express authority.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date of Bill: Ninety days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is enacted.