BILL ANALYSIS �
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 723
Author: Correa (D), et al.
Amended: 4/23/13
Vote: 21
SENATE LABOR & INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE : 5-0, 4/10/13
AYES: Lieu, Wyland, Leno, Padilla, Yee
SENATE BUSINESS, PROF. & ECON. DEV. COMM. : 10-0, 4/29/13
AYES: Price, Emmerson, Block, Corbett, Galgiani, Hernandez,
Hill, Padilla, Wyland, Yee
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE : Senate Rule 28.8
SUBJECT : Veterans
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This bill requires the Employment Development
Department (EDD), and the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA),
on or before January 1, 2015, to jointly present a report to the
Legislature containing best practices by state governments
around the nation in facilitating the credentialing of veterans
by using their documented military education and experience.
ANALYSIS :
Existing law:
1.Authorizes the EDD, among other things, to study and make
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recommendations as to actions which might promote the
prevention of unemployment and stabilization of employment,
encourage and assist in the adoption of practical methods of
vocational training, and promote re-employment of workers.
2.Requires the EDD, in consultation and coordination with
veterans' organizations and veteran service providers, to do
all of the following:
A. Research the needs of veterans throughout the state and
develop a profile of veterans' employment and training
needs;
B. Develop a statewide plan for the equitable distribution
of employment funds for veterans' employment services; and
C. Seek federal funding for specified purposes.
1.Requires that EDD, following any fiscal year in which state
funds support the Veterans Employment Training services
program, to provide an annual report to the Legislature (on or
before November 1) regarding the following performance
measures:
A. The number of veterans receiving individualized, case
managed services.
B. The number of veterans receiving these services and
entering employment.
C. The retention rate for veterans who enter employment.
D. The average earnings for veterans entering employment.
This bill:
1.Requires the EDD and the DCA, on or before January 1, 2015, to
jointly present a report to the Legislature containing all of
the following:
A. Best practices by state governments around the nation in
facilitating the credentialing of veterans by using their
documented military education and experience.
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B. Military occupational specialties within all branches of
the United States Armed Forces that readily transfer to
high-demand civilian jobs.
C. Both the EDD's and the DCA's past and current efforts to
collaborate with key public and private sector stakeholders
to address the gaps between military training programs and
state credentialing programs with respect to at least five
specific vocations or professions that are credentialed or
licensed by the DCA.
Background
California is home to over 1.8 million veterans, representing
8.3% of the total U.S. veteran population. 72% of the veteran
population is 50 years of age or above, and the number of
veterans 85 years of age or older is projected to increase 20%
between 2010 and 2019. California's Department of Veterans
Affairs (CalVet), anticipates receiving an additional
35,000-40,000 discharged members of the armed services each year
for the next several years - more than any other state.
According to CalVet, historically, the largest demand for
benefits and services for veterans occurs immediately after
discharge and again as the veteran population ages and requires
greater access to medical facilities and long-term care
services.
Employment Assistance Services for Veterans: The EDD assists
veterans and their eligible spouses maximize their employment
and training opportunities through individualized case managed
services. The EDD veterans' representatives specialize in
assisting veterans in their efforts to return to work and are
located in many local EDD offices. Services provided include a
veteran 24-hour priority hold on all job listings, customized
job search assistance, job fairs, employer recruitments, and
other events and resources.
Additionally, in coordination with the California Workforce
Investment Board, EDD funds organizations to offer services
targeted to meet the veterans' unique needs and occupational
goals with an emphasis on those who recently returned to
civilian life. Agencies are tasked with preparing veterans for
careers in a variety of fields in high demand.
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Prior Legislation
AB 2462 (Block, Chapter 404, Statutes of 2012), requires the
Chancellor of the California Community Colleges to determine
which courses should be awarded credit for prior military
academic experience using standards of the American Council on
Education.
AB 1904 (Block, Chapter 399, Statutes of 2012), requires boards
under the DCA to expedite the licensure process for military
spouses and domestic partners of military members on active duty
in California.
AB 2659 (Blumenfield, Chapter 406, Statutes of 2012), permits
the Department of Motor Vehicles to waive the driving skills
test required to obtain a commercial driver's license for a
person with a U.S. Armed Forces military driver's license in
compliance with federal regulations, as specified.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes
Local: No
SUPPORT : (Verified 5/13/13)
American GI Forum, Alejandro Ruiz Chapter
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO
Veterans Caucus, California Democratic Party
PQ:ej 5/14/13 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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