Bill
AB 901
Extends veterans’ hiring preferences to eligible spouses of active duty service members and expands top-rank credit for those who pass state exams.
Overview
AB 901, introduced February 19, 2025 by Sharp-Collins, would expand and clarify veterans’ preference provisions within California’s State Civil Service Act. The bill currently is in committee (first hearing set; hearing canceled at the author’s request). It does not involve an appropriation but has a fiscal committee reference.
What the bill does
- Expands and clarifies veterans’ credits and top-ranking treatment upon passing state civil service entrance exams.
- Extends eligibility for hiring and promotion preferences to the eligible spouses of active duty service members, veterans, widows/widowers of veterans, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans.
- Allows the eligible spouse of an active duty service member, widow/widower, or spouse of a 100% disabled veteran to receive appropriate credit for selection tests related to hiring and promotional preferences.
Key provisions (selected)
- Section definitions (Government Code 18973):
- Active duty service member: full-time active duty service member of any U.S. military branch.
- Eligible spouse: married to a full-time active duty service member.
- Veteran, disabled veteran, and 100% disabled veteran: aligned with existing definitions in other sections.
- Section 18973.1 (top eligibility ranking):
- Currently, veterans, widows/widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who pass an entrance exam are ranked in the top rank.
- The bill would extend “top rank” recognition to passing active duty service members as well.
- Employers may grant a preference in hiring and promotion to the eligible spouse of an active duty service member, veteran, widow/widower, or spouse of a 100% disabled veteran.
- Section 18974.5 (credit for selection tests):
- A member of the Armed Forces who passes a state civil service exam and, within 12 months, qualifies for veterans’ preference would receive the appropriate credit as if entitled at the time the list was established.
- The eligible spouse categories may receive the appropriate credit for selection tests related to hiring and promotion.
- Section 18976 (proof of eligibility):
- Procedure for submitting eligibility requests; rules to be issued by the department in consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- For currently serving members, the department may use a document signed by the commanding officer to verify service, with the same proof requirements before entry into state service.
Who would be affected
- Active duty service members and their spouses.
- Veterans, widows/widowers of veterans, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans.
- State civil service applicants and state hiring authorities.
- State departments implementing veterans’ preference rules (with guidance from the Department of Veterans Affairs).
Timeline and status
- 2025-02-19: Introduced (read first time, to print).
- 2025-02-20: From printer; may be heard in committee.
- 2025-03-10: Referred to Committees on Military and Veterans Affairs (M. & V.A.) and Public Employees, and Rules & Economic Development (P. E. & R.).
- 2025-04-08: In committee; set for first hearing; hearing canceled at the request of the author.
Notes
- Digest indicates no appropriation; fiscal committee referral noted.
- The bill would require implementing rules and proof processes, potentially affecting how employers verify eligibility and how credits are awarded on hiring lists.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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