HB 165-STATE PERSONNEL ACT: VETERANS  1:07:23 PM CHAIR TUCK announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 165, "An Act relating to hiring for positions in state service based on substitution of military work experience or training for civilian work experience or training requirements." REPRESENTATIVE PARISH urged the committee to [move HB 165 from committee]. He opined the bill would fill an existing gap in statute and pointed out the Department of Administration (DOA) is currently making some accommodations to allow military service to be recognized; the bill would provide for the recognition of military service and allow military experience - if pertinent and at a level that equals or exceeds civilian training - to be substituted for other minimum qualifications. He remarked, "Essentially, if you've been doing a job for the armed services for a few years and you've done it well, I don't see why you need a degree, necessarily, to do the same job for the state of Alaska." 1:08:59 PM CHAIR TUCK opened public testimony on HB 165. After ascertaining no one wished to testify, public testimony was closed. REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ recalled the committee previously requested more information from DOA on how it would determine that military experience meets or exceeds the requirements for a certain position. 1:10:16 PM KATE SHEEHAN, Director, Division of Personnel and Labor Relations, Department of Administration, said individuals filling out a job application list their previous job titles and are given an opportunity to explain their responsibilities. Just like military experience, other private sector jobs might not be titled appropriately and could be misunderstood. After an applicant explains the duties of their previous job(s), the department could follow up with the applicant with any clarifying questions to understand and to give appropriate credit. REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ recalled the state uses some database tools to determine whether an individual meets the criteria for a job. She asked how the state can ensure applicants are being properly "screened-in rather than screened-out" if the applicants don't know which words to use. MS. SHEEHAN advised there is a veteran preference: the state must consider a veteran's or a National Guard [member's] submitted application and must interview any disabled veteran or former prisoner of war. She stated hiring managers and human resource staff review applications; individuals self-certify their veteran status; therefore, no proof is required. REPRESENTATIVE PARISH responded to Representative Rauscher's question about whether the bill applies to "state or private," and said the bill pertains to state employment. 1:12:13 PM REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ moved to report HB 165 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, HB 165 was reported out of the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs.