Veteran employment preference expanded

A bill to expand the hiring preference given to veterans in Nebraska was given final approval April 3.

LB144, sponsored by Bellevue Sen. Victor Rountree, expands an existing hiring preference to include spouses of active-duty service members, including National Guard and reserves, and spouses of veterans who were killed in the line of duty or died as a result of their service.

If two or more veteran-preference eligible candidates are being considered for the same position, the preference will be applied equally to all candidates. Preference also is extended beyond a veteran’s initial employment to include reassignments and transfers to a new position.

LB144 passed on a 47-0 vote.