This bill expands the definition of "veteran" to include not only veterans themselves but also their spouses and active duty service members, regardless of their length of service. It introduces a new definition for "military spouse" and establishes preferences in hiring and employment for veterans and their spouses, as well as for businesses owned by service-connected disabled veterans and military spouses. The bill amends existing laws to ensure that when products or services from these groups are available, they can be procured by the state at fair market value, thereby promoting veteran-owned and military spouse-owned businesses.

Additionally, the bill modifies the veterans' preference employment policy to include eligible service members and military spouses, ensuring they receive hiring preferences in both public and private sectors. It also establishes a New Hampshire National Guard enlistment and reenlistment incentive program, offering cash incentives for current members who recruit new service members or reenlist. The bill requires verification of eligibility for veterans seeking employment preferences and will take effect 60 days after passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21:50, 275-G:1, 99-F:1, 99-F:2, 275-G:3
As Amended by the Senate: 21:50, 275-G:1, 99-F:1, 99-F:2, 110-B:60, 275-G:3
Version adopted by both bodies: 21:50, 275-G:1, 99-F:1, 99-F:2, 110-B:60, 275-G:3