Bill

Bill > SB658


OR SB658

OR SB658
Relating to employment preference for veterans.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2025
In Committee
01/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/27/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Legislative Measures

Bill Summary

The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: The Act says that if a veteran applies for a job and has the right skills, the employer must interview them. If a veteran doesn’t get the job, the employer has to send them a notice telling them why. The law also allows veterans to take legal action. The DVA will look into any complaints about unfair treatment of veterans in hiring. Lastly, public employers must have yearly training about how to support veterans, and completing this training can help protect them from claims of unfairness. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.4). Provides that, when an interview is an element of the process of selecting a candidate for a civil service position from an eligibility list, the public employer must interview each veteran applicant who meets the qualifications for the position and shows transferable skills if the duties of the posi- tion are performed by only one person within the public employer’s organization. Requires a public employer to provide written notice to a veteran who is eliminated from con- sideration for a vacant civil service position. Provides the right to a jury trial and permits awards of noneconomic damages in civil suits for a violation of veterans’ employment preference statutes. Modifies the period for notice of a tort claim against a public body for violation of veterans’ employment preference statutes. Directs the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to establish a program for investigation and non- binding arbitration of alleged violations of veterans’ employment preference statutes. Requires public employers to conduct an annual training related to veterans’ employment pref- erences. Provides that conducting an approved annual training is an affirmative defense to a claim for violation of veterans’ employment preference statutes.

AI Summary

This bill enhances employment protections and preferences for veterans applying to civil service positions in Oregon. Specifically, the bill requires public employers to interview veterans who meet minimum qualifications and have transferable skills, with a special provision that this interview requirement applies even more stringently when a position is performed by only one person in an organization. The bill mandates that if a veteran is eliminated from consideration for a position, the employer must provide written notice within three business days. It also introduces new legal protections for veterans, including the right to a jury trial and the ability to recover noneconomic damages in employment discrimination cases. The Department of Veterans' Affairs will establish a new program to investigate potential violations of veterans' employment preferences, offering a non-binding arbitration process. Additionally, public employers must now conduct annual training about veterans' employment preferences, and completing an approved training can serve as a legal defense against potential claims of discrimination. These changes aim to provide more robust support and opportunities for veterans in the public sector job market, recognizing their service and ensuring they have fair chances for employment.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

In committee upon adjournment. (on 06/27/2025)

bill text


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