The bill amends Section 36-26-15 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance hiring preferences for military spouses and veterans in state employment. It introduces new definitions for "active duty service member" and "veteran," and specifies that spouses of active duty service members will receive five additional points on their employment ratings. The legislation also allows political subdivisions and private employers to give preference to veterans and the spouses of both veterans and active duty service members during hiring processes. Additionally, the bill makes technical revisions to existing code language, such as replacing "persons" with "individuals" and clarifying disqualification conditions for tests or employment. It establishes a ranking system for individuals with military preference, prioritizing those with a 10-point preference, including surviving spouses of active duty service members who died in the line of duty.

Moreover, the bill specifies that individuals entitled to military preference in appointment will be the last to be discharged or reduced in rank or salary during reductions in the classified service, provided their records are good. It mandates cooperation between the board responsible for personnel qualifications and appointing authorities, as well as the federal government, to establish standards for personnel. The bill also allows counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions to grant hiring and promotion preferences to eligible veterans, their spouses, spouses of active duty service members, and surviving spouses of deceased veterans. Private employers can adopt voluntary veterans' preference employment policies, which must be uniformly applied and reported to the Alabama Department of Workforce, ensuring compliance with state and local laws. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 36-26-15
Engrossed: 36-26-15
Enrolled: 36-26-15