H.531 is a bill introduced to enhance employment opportunities for military spouses within the State of Vermont. The bill proposes to grant preference in state hiring processes by awarding additional points on point-based examinations to qualified spouses of personnel currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This is in addition to existing preferences for veterans and certain categories of their spouses, which are outlined in the amended Section 310 of Title 3 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated.

The bill amends the current law by adding a new category for the spouses of active-duty military personnel, thereby expanding the scope of individuals who can receive hiring preferences. Specifically, it deletes the previous language that limited the preference to veterans and their spouses receiving certain benefits, and it inserts provisions to include spouses of currently serving military personnel. Additionally, the bill specifies that the act will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3-310