The bill H. 4698 aims to enhance hiring practices for state agencies in South Carolina by establishing a veterans' preference system. It mandates that when a vacancy arises in a state agency, preference must be given to veterans if the applicants are equally qualified. Additionally, the bill allows state agencies to waive postsecondary educational requirements for veteran applicants. Each agency is required to create a written Veterans' Recruitment Plan that sets annual goals for employing veterans and must present this plan to the Office of Human Resources.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that by February 1st of each year, state agencies must report statistical data to the Department of Employment and Workforce regarding the number of individuals claiming veterans' preference, those hired through this preference, and those hired as a result of the recruitment plan. The Department of Employment and Workforce is tasked with updating this data annually on its website and including it in its annual workforce report. The bill defines "veteran" in accordance with existing law and will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/17/2025: 8-1-200
Latest Version: 8-1-200