Military spouses would receive hiring preferences in several workplaces

A spouse of an active-duty service member would receive five extra points on a state classified-service examination, and a surviving spouse who lost an active-duty service member in the line of duty would receive 10 points. The points apply to spouses of active-duty members of the National Guard, reserves, or active Armed Forces, and to surviving spouses of those members who died in the line of duty. The points are added to the person's earned examination rating. Other state hiring rules and qualifications still apply. The act would take effect January 1, 2027.

A county, municipality, or other political subdivision may give hiring and promotion preference to certain veterans and military spouses. The covered people are eligible veterans, spouses of eligible veterans, spouses of active-duty service members, and surviving spouses of deceased eligible veterans. A political subdivision may adopt an ordinance to carry out the preference. The preference is optional for each political subdivision. The act would take effect January 1, 2027.

A private employer may adopt a written veterans' preference policy for hiring and promotions. The policy may cover veterans, spouses of veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members; a private employer means an entity with one or more employees. The employer must apply the policy uniformly and notify the Alabama Department of Workforce. Applicants must provide required military-service or active-status records, plus proof of marriage when applying as a spouse. Preference for a spouse of an active-duty service member lasts while the member remains on active duty and for up to 180 days after discharge or separation. The policy would not violate state or local law. The act would take effect January 1, 2027.