BILL ANALYSIS
SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
JEFF DENHAM, CHAIRMAN
Bill No: AB 1729
Author: Yamada
Version: As amended March 18, 2010
Hearing Date: June 22, 2010
Fiscal: Yes
SUBJECT OF BILL
Veterans' points on state service entrance examinations.
PROPOSED LAW
1. Extend by six months (to one full year) the
deadline veterans have to turn in their DD-214
(military discharge form) to the state personnel board
after the establishment of a state job list.
EXISTING LAW AND BACKGROUND
1. The government code allows a certain number of
points to be given to veterans so that, all other
things being equal, the government does its best to
employ those who have already put everything on the
line for society and our country.
2. Veterans may take the state civil service
examination ahead of time in anticipation of
discharge.
3. Veterans must provide documentation to prove they
were not dishonorably discharged before veterans'
points can be credited.
4. SB 644 of 2009 (Denham) increased veterans service
points to award 10 points on a state civil service
exam to a veteran and 15 points if the veteran is
disabled.
This committee made a commitment to monitor the
situation with returning veterans through two
oversight hearings last year. SB 644 was a part of
the effort to follow up on those hearings.
COMMENT
1. This bill furthers the intent of last year's SB 644
and, according to the author's office, is intended to
"assist veterans with their re-entry into the job
market."
2. This bill will make it more convenient to take a
state civil service examination. Right now a veteran
would have to take the test within six months of
discharge; so, the veteran must rely on lucky timing
or be lucky enough to be stationed within the state in
order to be able to take the test before discharge.
By extending the time period to 12 months the chances
are increased that a veteran would visit home in that
12-month period and have a chance to take the test
without the time period expiring before he or she was
actually discharged and was in possession of a DD-214.
PRIOR ACTIONS
Assembly PERS 5-0
Assembly Veterans 9-0
Assembly Appropriations 15-0
Assembly Floor 74-0 (Consent)
Senate PERS 5-0
SB 644 (Denham) 5/18/2009
Denham Aye
Correa Aye
Cedillo No Vote Recorded
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Negrete McLeod Aye
Wyland Aye
SUPPORT
American Legion, Department of California
AMVETS, Department of California
California Correctional Supervisors Organization
California Peace Officers' Association
California Police Chiefs Association
California State Commanders Veterans Council
Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council
OPPOSE
None received
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