Bill > HB3080

This bill amends West Virginia's human rights laws to explicitly clarify that employers can provide hiring preferences to military spouses and veterans without violating state equal employment opportunity regulations. Specifically, the bill defines a "military spouse" as the husband or wife of an active-duty Armed Forces member who relocates to a new permanent duty station, and a "veteran" as someone who has either served more than 180 consecutive days of full-time active duty or has a service-connected disability rating. The legislation allows employers to give hiring preference to veterans (including disabled veterans) or military spouses, provided that the candidate meets all the job's knowledge, skills, and eligibility requirements. This provision ensures that employers can support military families and veterans in the job market without fear of legal repercussions for discrimination, recognizing the unique challenges these individuals face in maintaining employment during frequent relocations or after military service.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=3080&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill