Bill > HB64

This bill expands employment and procurement preferences for military-connected individuals in New Hampshire by making several key changes. First, it introduces a formal definition of "military spouse" as someone legally married to an active duty service member and registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). The bill allows state procurement services to purchase products and services from businesses owned by service-connected disabled veterans and military spouses at fair market value, establishing specific criteria for what constitutes such a business. Additionally, the legislation broadens veterans' employment preference policies to include not just veterans, but also active duty service members and their spouses, both in public employment and private sector hiring practices. The bill modifies existing statutes to explicitly include military spouses in various preference programs, such as public employment and state procurement opportunities. It also updates the New Hampshire National Guard Enlistment and Reenlistment Incentive Program by allowing cash incentives for members who reclassify into critical, unfilled vacancies. Importantly, the bill provides more flexible documentation requirements for verifying veteran status, moving away from a specific Department of Defense form to a broader range of qualifying documents. The legislation aims to provide enhanced support and opportunities for military personnel, veterans, and their families in the state's employment and business landscape.

Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0044&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB64