Bill would extend civil-service hiring preference to current and former Oregon National Guard members

The House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans heard testimony Thursday on Senate Bill 808, which would add current and former members of the Oregon National Guard to existing hiring preferences for veterans applying to or seeking promotion in civil service positions.

Russell Gibson of the Oregon Military Department said the bill would extend preference points to “state service member” (defined as a member of the Oregon National Guard) and “former state service member” (a person discharged or released under honorable conditions). Gibson said the change aligns state recognition of Guard service with state-level needs for recruiting and retention, and that most measures in the agency's package are targeted at those goals.

Committee members asked whether short periods of service could qualify someone for the preference. Representative Lewis said he was concerned about the possibility that “somebody that served a very short term in the National Guard and then qualifies as a former member of the National Guard for veterans preference points in hiring and promotion.” He suggested the committee could consider an amendment to address minimum-term concerns.

Representative Evans said he supported the bill and warned that federal practice has sometimes resulted in service rendered under Title 32 orders not conferring federal veteran status. "The DOD has played fast and loose with using the National Guard," Evans said, arguing state-level recognition could help retention. Other members described the change as another tool to improve recruitment and retention for the Oregon National Guard.

Legislative staff described the fiscal impact of this measure as minimal. The committee closed the public hearing after discussion and questions.