This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to extend employment preference in hiring to unemployed coal miners, alongside veterans and military spouses. Specifically, it modifies section 16B-17-9a by removing the exclusive mention of military spouses and inserting provisions that define "unemployed coal miner." The new definition specifies that an unemployed coal miner is someone who has worked in coal mining for at least five years, has been unemployed for over a year, is not retired, and is legally eligible for employment, while also clarifying that individuals separated from coal mining employment for cause do not qualify.

Additionally, the bill retains the existing definitions for "veteran" and "military spouse," while ensuring that employers can grant hiring preferences without violating equal employment opportunity laws, provided that the candidates meet the necessary job qualifications. This legislative change aims to support unemployed coal miners in securing employment opportunities in both public and private sectors.

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