Bill > SB546

This bill amends Section 80 of the Military and Veterans Code to change the authority for hiring employees within the department. Previously, the "director" had the discretion to employ necessary staff, but this bill changes that to the "secretary," who "shall" employ staff, indicating a mandatory duty. The bill also clarifies that the secretary is the sole appointing authority for all positions within the department, except as otherwise specified in Section 71 of the chapter, and reiterates that preference should be given to veterans for employment whenever possible. The bill also removes a previous legislative intent statement regarding extending employment opportunities to families and dependents of veterans with service-connected disabilities.