SENATOR LEMAN introduced SSHB 196 (STATE EMPLOYMENT VETERANS PREFERENCE) as the next order of business. GEORGE DOZIER, staff to Representative Pete Kott, said the legislation addresses veterans employment preference statutes in the State of Alaska. The current statutes permit a total of 10 points to be awarded to disabled veterans, 10 points to be awarded to former prisoners of war and five points to veterans in general. Pursuant to the existing statute, the points can only be used once to obtain a permanent position and may not be used for promotional purposes. HB 196 modifies the existing veterans preference statute by permitting veterans to utilize their points to obtain entry level permanent positions more than once. It retains the previous state policy of not allowing veterans to use their points for obtaining promotions within the classified service. Number 383 MIKE MCMULLEN, Division of Personnel & Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Department of Administration, voiced the department's support for veteran hire. The bill would expand existing preference which currently is utilized by about five to six percent of state job applicants. He added the bill carries a zero fiscal note. Number 397 SENATOR TAYLOR moved and asked unanimous consent that SSHB 196 be passed out of committee with individual recommendations. Hearing no objection, it was so ordered.