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Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) has introduced Senate Bill 943 that would require the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) to waive appropriate civil service bachelor’s degree requirements for U.S. 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. “By supporting and acknowledging the contribution of veterans, California can create more job opportunities and benefit from a uniquely experienced workforce.”
California is home to 8% of U.S. veterans and 30,000 new veterans will be discharged each year, more than any other state. However, the number of veterans per capita have decreased by 48% between 2000 and 2016.
The California Civil Service is losing a significant share of its veteran workforce due to aging and veterans leaving. In 2021, the number of veterans who retired from state civil service was more than three times higher than those hired.
SB 943 will incentivize more veterans to remain in California and fill vacant civil service positions by requiring CalHR to identify which classifications are appropriate for waiving bachelor’s degree requirements for veterans who served at a level of E-6 or higher for more than two years. SB 943 will also require CalHR to create and implement the waiver by July 1, 2026.
By removing educational barriers to entry into the civil service sector, SB 943 will help address both the exodus of veterans out of California and the civil service workforce shortage.