Legislature(2019 - 2020)BARNES 124
05/10/2019 03:15 PM House LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB127 | |
| HB93 | |
| HB113 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 103 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 127 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 93 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 113 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
May 10, 2019
3:27 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Adam Wool, Chair
Representative Andi Story
Representative Zack Fields
Representative Sara Hannan
Representative Louise Stutes
Representative Josh Revak
Representative Dave Talerico
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 127
"An Act relating to the practice of dental hygiene; establishing
an advanced practice permit; prohibiting unfair discrimination
under group health insurance against a dental hygienist who
holds an advanced practice permit; relating to medical
assistance for dental hygiene services; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 93
"An Act relating to temporary courtesy licenses for certain
nonresident professionals; and relating to the Department of
Commerce, Community, and Economic Development."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 113
"An Act relating to employment preferences for spouses and
children of veterans, disabled veterans, former prisoners of
war, members of the national guard, and deceased service
members."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 103
"An Act establishing the State Gaming Commission; relating to
the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board; relating to the regulation
of card rooms and card games; relating to criminal history
record checks; and relating to the regulation of alcoholic
beverages."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 127
SHORT TITLE: DENTAL HYGIENIST ADVANCED PRAC PERMIT
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) SPOHNHOLZ
04/09/19 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/09/19 (H) L&C, FIN
05/03/19 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
05/03/19 (H) Heard & Held
05/03/19 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
05/10/19 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 93
SHORT TITLE: MILITARY SPOUSE COURTESY LICENSE
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) TUCK
03/13/19 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/13/19 (H) MLV, L&C
04/02/19 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/02/19 (H) Heard & Held
04/02/19 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
04/04/19 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/04/19 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/09/19 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/09/19 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/16/19 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/16/19 (H) Moved HB 93 Out of Committee
04/16/19 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
04/17/19 (H) MLV RPT 6DP
04/17/19 (H) DP: THOMPSON, RAUSCHER, TUCK, JACKSON,
TARR, LEDOUX
05/06/19 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
05/06/19 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
05/10/19 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 113
SHORT TITLE: MILITARY FAMILY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) JACKSON
03/27/19 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/27/19 (H) MLV, L&C
04/16/19 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/16/19 (H) Heard & Held
04/16/19 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
04/18/19 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/18/19 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/23/19 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/23/19 (H) Moved CSHB 113(MLV) Out of Committee
04/23/19 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
04/24/19 (H) MLV RPT CS(MLV) NT 5DP 1NR
04/24/19 (H) DP: KOPP, JACKSON, TARR, TUCK, LEDOUX
04/24/19 (H) NR: THOMPSON
05/06/19 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
05/06/19 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
05/10/19 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
JEFF KILGORE
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 127.
CHERYL KILGORE
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 127.
ROYANN ROYER
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 127.
JON ZASADA, Director/Policy Integration
Alaska Primary Care Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 127.
DAVID NIELSON
Alaska Board of Dental Examiners
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
127.
BERNICE NISBETT, Staff
Representative Ivy Spohnholz
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
127 on behalf of Representative Spohnholz, prime sponsor.
MICHAEL MASON, Staff
Representative Chris Tuck
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced HB 93 on behalf of
Representative Tuck, prime sponsor.
REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS TUCK
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, presented HB 93.
SARA CHAMBERS, Director
Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
93.
REPRESENTATIVE SHARON JACKSON
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, introduced HB 113.
ERIC CORDERO, Staff
Representative Jackson
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 113 on behalf of
Representative Jackson, prime sponsor, and explained the
sectional analysis.
TERRE GALES, Director
Division of Labor Standards and Safety
Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
113.
VERDIE BOWEN, Director of Veterans Affairs
Office of Veterans Affairs
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
113.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:27:21 PM
CHAIR ADAM WOOL called the House Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:27 p.m. Representatives Stutes,
Story, Talerico, Fields, Revak, Hannan, and Wool were present at
the call to order.
HB 127-DENTAL HYGIENIST ADVANCED PRAC PERMIT
3:28:12 PM
CHAIR WOOL announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 127, "An Act relating to the practice of dental
hygiene; establishing an advanced practice permit; prohibiting
unfair discrimination under group health insurance against a
dental hygienist who holds an advanced practice permit; relating
to medical assistance for dental hygiene services; and providing
for an effective date."
3:28:47 PM
CHAIR WOOL opened public testimony.
3:29:13 PM
JEFF KILGORE stated his support for HB 127. He said he worked
the first eight years of his career at a federally qualified
health center as the "Dental Director." After which he switched
to the private sector. He explained that in both settings, he
saw the importance of access to care and how challenging it can
be - especially for the elderly and disabled populations. He
noted the challenge of getting them into a traditional setting
and opined that having a nontraditional option, like home
visits, would improve both their dental and systemic health.
3:31:14 PM
CHERYL KILGORE said she has been working in healthcare for many
decades and over that time, has seen both access problems and
successful delivery. She said that hygienists are uniquely
qualified to provide preventive and interventive services that
would be beneficial to vulnerable populations, like seniors in
nursing homes. She commended HB 127 for trying to utilize that
unique skillset to take better care of all Alaskans. She urged
members to support this bill.
3:33:37 PM
ROYANN ROYER, gave a brief history of her experience working in
private practices, public health and instructing the dental
program at University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). Currently, she
said she works in a collaborative agreement at a long-term care
center, which is why she supports HB 127. She said if HB 127
passes, she would be able to continue preventative services.
3:38:34 PM
JON ZASADA, Director/Policy Integration, Alaska Primary Care
Association, voiced his support for HB 127. Recruiting and
retaining the necessary workforce to staff comprehensive primary
care practices that provide dental, medical, and behavioral
health in coordination with care services to patients is the
number one concern and priority of the Alaska Primary Care
Association's leaders.
DAVID NIELSON, Alaska Board of Dental Examiners, said, as chair
of the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners, he is here to answer
any questions member might have.
3:42:17 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY sought clarification on advanced practice
permits and asked how they are evaluated.
MR. NIELSON said the requirements are an active license in
Alaska, 4,000 hours of documented clinical practice, and no
disciplinary actions.
3:43:17 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked how many years it would take to get
4,000 hours.
DR. NIELSON estimated 5-10 years.
MS. ROYER, in response to Representative Hannan, said at least 5
years.
3:44:10 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES asked if the state Dental Association and
the Board of Dental Examiners supports HB 127.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ explained that the Alaska Dental
Society is the state professional association for dentists. She
noted that they have written a letter of support [included in
the committee packet].
3:45:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES pointed out that the Alaska Dental
Association made a "wording" suggestion. She asked if that was
implemented in the committee substitute (CS).
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ deferred the question to her staff.
3:45:58 PM
BERNICE NISBETT, Staff, Representative Ivy Spohnholz, on behalf
of Representative Spohnholz, prime sponsor, said that the CS
they are working on will include the changes that are listed in
the aforementioned letter.
CHAIR WOOL announced that HB 127 was held over.
3:46:36 PM
CHAIR WOOL closed public testimony.
HB 93-MILITARY SPOUSE COURTESY LICENSE
3:46:45 PM
CHAIR WOOL announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 93, "An Act relating to temporary courtesy
licenses for certain nonresident professionals; and relating to
the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic
Development."
3:46:57 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease.
3:47:01 PM
MICHAEL MASON, Staff, Representative Chris Tuck, introduced HB
93 on behalf of Representative Tuck, prime sponsor. He stated
that the bill builds on the social contract that people live by.
3:49:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS TUCK, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, introduced HB 93. He paraphrased parts of the sponsor
statement [included in the committee packet] which read in its
entirety as follows [original punctuation provided]:
House Bill 93 calls for the Alaska Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development to
prepare an annual report to allow the Alaska
Legislature to evaluate the progress of a program to
make temporary courtesy occupational licenses
available to the spouses of active duty service
members stationed in Alaska. In 2011, the Alaska
Legislature passed House Bill 28 to provide expedited
temporary courtesy licenses if a military spouse
possesses a license from a previous jurisdiction with
similar requirements to the State of Alaska. However,
the bill didn't include reporting requirements.
Making temporary courtesy licenses available to the
spouses of active duty service members allows them to
practice their chosen trade without having to go
through the time-consuming process of meeting state
licensure requirements before beginning work.
Expediting courtesy licenses for military spouses
allows them to go to work quickly after relocating to
Alaska, while they work toward fulfilling any
remainder state requirements for their license.
The requirement in House Bill 93 for an annual report
will allow the Alaska Legislature, the Joint Armed
Services Committee, military installations, and local
communities to track the progress of the Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development in making
temporary courtesy licenses available to military
spouses. HB 93 also calls for the department to
produce and distribute informational materials about
temporary courtesy licenses to each board authorized
to issue such licenses. The intent of this stipulation
is to improve the board's knowledge of the licenses,
the application process, and the best practices in
providing applicant support. Additionally, the bill
calls for the department to encourage boards to
designate a single employee to serve as the point of
contact for public information and inquiries related
to temporary courtesy licenses for military spouses.
The annual report called for in HB 93 will also
highlight many of the opportunities available to help
military spouses enter the workforce in Alaska. To
date, a low number of eligible professionals have
taken advantage of the temporary courtesy license
program in Alaska, and many participants have reported
delays. House Bill 93 would help identify
inefficiencies in the program.
Legislation similar to House Bill 93 passed the Alaska
House of Representatives unanimously last year but was
not taken up by the Alaska State Senate.
Making temporary courtesy occupational and other
licenses available to military spouses is a priority
for the U.S. Department of Defense.
3:51:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN addressed the regulations, pointing out
that a temporary license is issued for 180 days. She asked if
there is a fee associated with the issuance of that license.
3:52:22 PM
SARA CHAMBERS, Director, Division of Corporations, Business and
Professional Licensing, Department of Commerce, Community &
Economic Development, explained that there is a specific fee for
each program offering a temporary license, which is different
than the full license.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked if the fee can be used towards the
state cost of their permanent professional license and
associated fees, which will vary depending on the type of
licensure.
MS. CHAMBERS said that with 43 separate programs with separate
statutes and regulations and 22 different governing bodies among
those, it's not consistent across all programs. Some programs
offer temporary licenses and others don't offer one at all. She
offered her belief that an element lacking from statute is the
need to "beef up" the military spouse licensing language to
compel various boards to do more and take this issue more
seriously.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN questioned whether that 180-day window
affords people enough time to complete the Alaska licensure
process in those programs which temporary licenses exist.
MS. CHAMBERS said there is very little data as fewer than 30
military spouses have ever applied using this program. She
opined that the need is greater; however, they don't know it's
available because of a gap in perception and education.
3:56:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK pointed out that HB 93 does three things:
produces an annual report; calls on the Department of Commerce,
Community & Economic Development (DCCED) to produce and
distribute informational materials; and asks the professional
licensing boards to designate a single employee to serve as the
point of contact for public information and inquiries related to
temporary curtesy licenses for military spouses.
3:57:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS questioned whether this bill could have an
impact on licensure for plumbers or electricians.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK answered yes, through the Department of
Labor. He continued by saying that Alaska has relaxed
requirements for electrical licenses, and as a result,
Washington State no longer accepts them. In retaliation, Alaska
no longer accepts Washington's licenses, ending the reciprocal
agreement that once existed between the two states.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS established a scenario in which a plumber
moves to Alaska who had not completed a registered
apprenticeship in another state and wanted to get permanently
licensed. He pointed out that six months is not enough to go
through a registered apprenticeship and asked how that would
work in terms of timing.
CHAIR WOOL pointed out that HB 97 doesn't pertain to those
trades.
3:59:45 PM
CHAIR WOOL asked if Alaska has professional licensing
reciprocity with other states.
MS. CHAMBERS stated that there is only one firm reciprocity
agreement mandated by the federal government for real estate
appraisers. She noted that there is licensure by credential for
almost all programs, which means someone with a similar license
from another state can come to Alaska and use those credentials
to gain licensure without having to take another national exam.
CHAIR WOOL questioned whether the intent of the bill is to
expedite licensure above and beyond simple omission of the board
exam.
4:01:02 PM
MS. CHAMBERS said current law says department and boards may
issue a temporary license to the spouse of an active military
member who essentially has the equivalent of a similar license
in another state. They can get a 180-day license. This bill
requires filing a report and providing more information, it
doesn't change licensure in any way. There's no impact on the
credentials, criteria, or reciprocity, it's just beefing up the
administration and reporting back to the legislature, so
legislators have better tools to understand the scope of the
problem.
4:01:52 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK confirmed that, adding that it improves the
state's licensing boards and processes and ensures that Alaska
has the best practices in place to provide applicants the
support they need. It focuses on getting temporary licenses and
allowing people who are licensed in another state to work in
their fields of trade.
REPRESENTATIVE REVAK thanked Representative Tuck and said he
appreciates the intent of the current bill. He recalled hearing
about these licensing issues for a decade, and as military is a
big part of Alaska's economy the more this state can do to
benefit their spouses the better.
4:04:54 PM
CHAIR WOOL asked about reciprocity program for medical doctors.
MS. CHAMBERS said there is an interstate licensure compact that
Representative Seaton introduced several years ago. There are a
handful of national compacts, which are private agreements that
a state makes with a private organization that goes into statute
and allows interstate licensure. She noted that nurses,
doctors, and a few others have those.
CHAIR WOOL asked if a nurse from another state in the compact
would get automatic licensure in Alaska.
MS. CHAMBERS explained that with a national compact recognition
an individual can move into another state and start working.
She pointed out that they are all different, as they are private
organizations with their own language, fees and trappings.
4:06:15 PM
CHAIR WOOL said HB 93 was held over.
HB 113-MILITARY FAMILY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE
4:06:28 PM
CHAIR WOOL announced that the final order of business would be
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 113(MLV), "An Act relating to private
sector and state employment preferences for active service
members, veterans, and spouses and dependent children of active
service members and veterans; relating to employment preferences
for surviving spouses of deceased service members and veterans;
and relating to employment preferences for disabled veterans and
former prisoners of war."
4:06:55 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SHARON JACKSON, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor, introduced HB 113. She paraphrased the sponsor
statement [included in the committee packet], which read in its
entirety as follows [original punctuation provided]:
The purpose of House Bill 113 is to extend current
hiring preferences to military spouses and dependent
children in the State of Alaska and the private
sector.
Military families fall into two categories: Blue Star
or Gold Star Families. Blue Star families are military
spouses and dependents of active service members and
veterans. Gold Star families are spouses and children
of a deceased service members who died while in active
duty.
A recent report from the Department of Defense found
that a quarter of military spouses are unemployed or
underemployed. There are several efforts being done in
all 50 states, but Alaska is one of the few states
that do not extend employment preferences to military
spouses. There are roughly 151,881 military spouses
and dependents in Alaska according to the Alaska
Department of Military & Veteran Affairs.
This is a small but significant way to honor our
service members and their families, who often fall
between the cracks while also making a sacrifice to
serve their country.
4:10:21 PM
ERIC CORDERO, Staff, Representative Jackson, Alaska State
Legislature, presented the changes made to CSHB 113 (MLV) on
behalf of Representative Jackson, prime sponsor. It was
clarified that active duty service members, as well as their
spouses and dependents qualify for hiring preferences.
Stepchildren were also added to the definition of dependents.
The CS added definitions to the State Personnel Act in section 3
for consistency and removed redundant language in other
sections. He continued by explaining that another change was
adding the words "disabled veteran" to section 4 for consistency
with federal definitions. The CS also clarified that HB 113
should not be interpreted to amend the terms of a collective
bargaining agreement.
4:11:48 PM
MR. CORDERO turned attention to the sectional analysis [included
in the committee packet] and read the following [original
punctuation provided]:
Section 1. AS 18.80.200(c)
This section does not prohibit a private employer from
having hiring preferences for persons described in
Section 2 of this bill.
Section 2. AS 23.88.010
This section repeals and reenacts the current statute
by adding definitions removed from Section 1 for
clarity. This section does not prohibit a private
employer from having hiring preferences to active-
military, veterans and families. This section adds
language to include spouses and dependent children of
deceased service members to the list.
4:12:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS sought clarification on the meaning of
"preference."
REPRESENTATIVE JACKSON explained that some businesses use a
point system for hiring and this bill gives preference to
veterans during that process with the addition of 5-10 points.
MR. CORDERO added that the State of Alaska uses different tools
to make hiring decisions. When there is a numerical tool being
used, veterans and members of the national guard will
automatically get 10 points once they pass the minimum
requirements to qualify for that position. If a numerical tool
is not being used, the benefit is that they will automatically
be selected for an interview.
4:15:11 PM
MR. CORDERO continued with the sectional analysis and read the
following:
Section 3. AS 39.25.150(19)
This section amends the State Personnel Act to
reference definitions as stated in Section 4 for
consistency.
Section 4. AS 39.25.159(a)
This section amends the employment preference for
veterans or former prisoners of war by adding new
language to include families of an active-duty service
member, veteran, or former prisoner of war. This
section clarifies the type of preference given the
hiring process and whether the applicant is disabled
or not. Subsection (B) is removed for consistency
Section 5. AS 39.25.159(d)
This section clarifies that a person may receive an
employment preference under only one of the categories
described in sections 3 and 4. A person may use the
preference without limitation when being considered
for a position for which persons who are not currently
state employees are being considered. If the
recruitment for a position is limited to state
employees, preference under (a) or (c) of this section
may not be counted. This section adds language to
include spouses or dependent children for consistency
with other sections.
Section 6 AS 39.25.159 (e)
This section clarifies that this bill does not involve
interpreting amendments of a collective bargaining
agreement and makes a reference to subsection (a) of
Section 4.
Section 7 AS 39.25.159(f)
This section defines a dependent child.
Section 8 AS 39.25.159(c)
This section removes language that has been included
in Section 4 of this bill.
4:17:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN sought clarification on the preference for
a surviving spouse. She asked when that benefit is given and
how long it lasts.
MR. CORDERO offered his understanding that currently there is no
limit to how long that benefit lasts.
4:20:36 PM
TERRE GALES, Director, Division of Labor Standards and Safety,
Department of Labor & Workforce Development, asked for the
question to be repeated.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN repeated her previous question, asking
when preference for a surviving spouse is given and how long
they receive it for.
MR. GALES said it appears to be permanent.
4:22:00 PM
REPRESENTATIVE REVAK questioned whether the Department of
Military & Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) has a position on this bill
and asked about the unemployment rate in the veteran community.
4:22:26 PM
VERDIE BOWEN, Director of Veterans Affairs, Office of Veterans
Affairs, Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs, said the
DMVA is in full support of this bill. He added that the
unemployment rate for veterans in this state is the same as non-
veterans. He noted that the unemployment rate for active duty
military spouses is generally much higher than spouses of those
that do not serve.
4:23:05 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked if the nature of preference for
state employment is typically put into place with statute or
regulation.
REPRESENTATIVE JACKSON said currently, it is in statute.
MR. CORDERO noted that it is put into place with statute in
other states as well.
4:26:59 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY pointed out that when she was checking on
military preference and points for a Senate bill, the division
of personnel said they do not currently use preference points.
She asked if that is true and questioned whether this bill adds
a point system.
REPRESENTATIVE JACKSON said the federal government has
preference points and the intent of this bill is to implement a
point system for the state of Alaska.
CHAIR WOOL sought clarification on the conditions under which a
dependent or spouse qualifies for benefits. He asked if the
benefits only become available when the veteran is deceased.
MR. CORDERO answered yes, if he or she died while in service.
According to the bill, he said, if the spouse is disabled the
percentage would be higher. He added if the tool being used is
numerical versus nonnumerical, the nonnumerical benefit is
getting an interview.
MR. CORDERO, responding to a follow-up question from
representative Wool, explained that according to current
statute, the hiring benefit for nonnumerical tools is the
assurance of an interview if the veteran applicant meets the
minimum qualifications.
CHAIR WOOL surmised that hiring preferences are required by the
state.
MR. CORDERO said correct, adding that hiring preferences are
optional to the private sector.
4:29:32 PM
MR. GALES acknowledged that the top qualified applicant will be
selected for an interview; however, a veteran will be selected
for an interview as long as they reach the minimum
qualifications. He noted that if a spouse remarries after their
partner dies in service, he or she will cease to receive
preference from the federal government.
CHAIR WOOL asked if the process is the same for dependents.
MR. GALES said yes, adding that once an adult is married, they
lose those benefits.
CHAIR WOOL questioned whether there was an age cut-off for
dependents as well.
4:30:49 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JACKSON answered 23 years old.
4:32:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY mentioned that her research on veterans has
shown that not having employment is one of the biggest hurdles a
family can face.
4:33:36 PM
CHAIR WOOL announced HB 113 was held over.
4:34:02 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at
4:34 p.m.