East SBV Times

Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) has introduced Senate Bill 943 that aims to provide more job opportunities for U.S. veterans in California. The proposed bill would require the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) to waive appropriate civil service bachelor’s degree requirements for veterans who served at the rank of E-6 or higher for more than two years.

“Our military personnel acquire special knowledge and skills during their time in service that are valuable and should be considered when applying for jobs,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the expertise gained by veterans and the potential benefits of integrating them into the workforce by stating, "By supporting and acknowledging the contribution of veterans, California can create more job opportunities and benefit from a uniquely experienced workforce."

California, with 8% of U.S. veterans residing in the state, sees approximately 30,000 new veterans discharged each year, the highest number compared to other states. However, there has been a significant decrease of 48% in the number of veterans per capita between 2000 and 2016.

The state's civil service sector is experiencing a loss of veteran employees due to retirement and attrition. In 2021, the number of veterans retiring from state civil service exceeded three times the number of new veteran hires.

SB 943, if passed, aims to incentivize veterans to stay in California by allowing them to fill vacant civil service positions. The bill requires CalHR to identify which job classifications are suitable for waiving bachelor’s degree requirements for veterans who served at the E-6 level or higher for more than two years. Additionally, CalHR is mandated to implement the waiver by July 1, 2026.

The proposed legislation, by eliminating educational obstacles for veterans entering the civil service sector, seeks to address the departure of veterans from California and the shortage of employees in civil service roles.