Bill > SB5420

This bill aims to ensure that veterans, uniformed service members, and their spouses have better access to state benefits and employment opportunities by amending several existing laws. It clarifies that "uniformed services" includes the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, expanding the scope of benefits and protections. The bill also introduces provisions for hiring preferences for veterans and spouses of active-duty service members, and allows for certain military service to be credited towards retirement and other employment benefits, with a maximum of five years of credited service in many cases. Additionally, it clarifies that licenses for professionals serving in these uniformed services will remain valid during their service and can be renewed after discharge, and allows spouses of deployed service members to place their professional licenses in an inactive status. The bill also modifies existing laws to include members of these expanded uniformed services in provisions related to hiring preferences in public employment and allows for bonus points on competitive examinations for veterans and uniformed service members.