Veterans' Preference for Private Employers, State by State

A plain policy template you can adapt

Replace the bracketed text, delete any option your state's law does not allow, and add anything your state requires (check its row in the table). Then have employment counsel review it before you adopt it.

Why a tie-breaker: several state laws describe the preference as one between equally qualified candidates (Arkansas, Colorado, Michigan and Nebraska, for example), and a tie-breaker changes fewer decisions than a preference that moves veterans ahead of stronger candidates.

State-by-state details

One paragraph per state, in the same words used on our state pages of employers that hire veterans. Each was checked against official state sources on the date shown.

Alabama

As of September 2026, Alabama's Voluntary Veterans' Preference Employment Policy Act (Ala. Code §§ 25-1-50 to 25-1-52) lets a private employer prefer a veteran who served on active duty and was honorably discharged, in hiring, promotion or retention during a reduction in force. The policy must be in writing and applied uniformly, and the employer may ask for a DD 214. Granting the preference does not violate state or local equal employment opportunity law. From January 1, 2027, a new section (§ 25-1-55) also covers honorably discharged Guard and reserve veterans, spouses of veterans and spouses of active duty service members, applies to hiring and promotion, and requires an employer with a policy to notify the Alabama Department of Workforce.

Statute: Ala. Code §§ 25-1-50 to 25-1-52 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Alabama

Alaska

As of September 2026, Alaska (AS 23.88.010) lets a private employer grant an employment preference when hiring to a person in active service, on furlough from it, or discharged under honorable conditions from the U.S. armed forces, a reserve unit, the Alaska Territorial Guard, the Alaska Army or Air National Guard or the Alaska Naval Militia. It also covers their spouses and dependent children, and the surviving spouse or dependent child of a member who died in active service. The statute sets no written-policy rule, and AS 18.80.200(c) says the state human rights law does not bar the preference.

Statute: AS 23.88.010 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Alaska

Arizona

As of September 2026, Arizona (A.R.S. §§ 23-495 and 23-495.01) lets a private employer adopt a preference for veterans who served on active duty and were discharged or released under honorable conditions. The policy must be in writing and applied uniformly to hiring, promotion or retention during a reduction in force, and the employer may require a DD-214. Spouses are not covered. The 2015 session law that created the article states that it does not violate state or local equal employment opportunity laws.

Statute: A.R.S. §§ 23-495 and 23-495.01 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Arizona

Arkansas

As of September 2026, Arkansas's Voluntary Veterans' Preference Employment Policy Act (Ark. Code Ann. §§ 11-15-101 to 11-15-105) lets a private employer prefer a veteran, the spouse of a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled, or an unmarried surviving spouse over another equally qualified applicant or employee. Spouses must be U.S. citizens. The policy must be in writing and applied uniformly to hiring, promotion or retention during a reduction in force, the person claiming the preference must submit the veteran's DD 214, and the state keeps a registry of employers with a policy. Unlike most of these laws, the Act has no clause saying the preference does not violate equal employment law.

Statute: Ark. Code Ann. §§ 11-15-101 to 11-15-105 (enacting act: Act 598 of 2013) · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Arkansas

California

As of September 2026, California has no statute that lets private employers give veterans a hiring preference. Five bills to create one have failed since 2015, and the governor vetoed SB 665 in October 2021, citing possible harm to women and other groups underrepresented among veterans. The Fair Employment and Housing Act lists military and veteran status as protected characteristics (Gov. Code § 12940). Without a statute there is no state safe harbor, so talk to employment counsel before adopting any preference.

Source checked: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in California

Colorado

As of September 2026, Colorado (C.R.S. § 8-1-153) lets a private employer adopt a veterans' preference hiring policy that applies only when the eligible person is at least as qualified as the other applicants. The policy must be in writing, public, in place at least 14 days before it applies to a new posting or hiring decision, and applied uniformly to all hiring decisions, and the employer must require a DD214. Eligibility is time-limited: within five years of discharge for veterans, reservists and Guard members (ten years for a veteran rated 100 percent permanent and total), and within five years of the death for the spouse of a service member killed in the line of duty. A policy that follows these rules is presumed, subject to rebuttal, not to be a discriminatory practice under state law.

Statute: C.R.S. § 8-1-153 (enacting bill: HB 21-1065) · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Colorado

Connecticut

As of September 2026, Connecticut has no statute that lets private employers give veterans a hiring preference. Its anti-discrimination law bars employers from discriminating because of an individual's status as a veteran (CGS § 46a-60(b)(1)) and has no carve-out for preference policies. Connecticut's statutory veterans' preference is exam credit in state and municipal civil service (CGS §§ 5-224 and 7-415).

Source checked: cga.ct.gov · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Connecticut

Delaware

As of September 2026, Delaware has no statute that lets private employers give veterans a hiring preference. Its employment discrimination law bars discrimination because of military status, which includes veterans (19 Del. C. §§ 710 and 711). Section 717 says that law does not modify other laws that create veterans' preferences, but no Delaware statute creates one for private employers. The state's own preference is exam credit in the state merit system (29 Del. C. § 5935).

Source checked: delcode.delaware.gov · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Delaware

District of Columbia

As of September 2026, the District of Columbia has no law that lets private employers give veterans a hiring preference. The D.C. Code's only veterans' hiring preference covers District government appointments (D.C. Code § 1-607.03), and the D.C. Human Rights Act has no veterans' preference exception.

Source checked: code.dccouncil.gov · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in the District of Columbia

Florida

As of September 2026, Florida (Fla. Stat. § 295.188) lets a private employer adopt a policy giving hiring preference to honorably discharged veterans, the spouse of a veteran with a total and permanent service-connected disability (as defined in § 295.07(1)(b)), and the unremarried widow or widower of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability or of a service member who died in the line of duty under combat-related conditions. The policy must be applied uniformly to hiring and promotion decisions; the statute does not require it to be written. The preferences are not violations of state or local equal employment opportunity law.

Statute: Fla. Stat. § 295.188 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Florida

Georgia

As of September 2026, Georgia's Voluntary Veterans' Preference Employment Policy Act (O.C.G.A. § 34-1-8) lets any private employer create and use a preference for veterans who served on active duty and were honorably discharged. The policy must be in writing and applied uniformly to hiring, promotion or retention during a reduction in force. Using it is not a violation of state or local equal employment opportunity law. Spouses are not covered.

Statute: O.C.G.A. § 34-1-8 (enacting bill: HB 443 (2015)) · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Georgia

Hawaii

As of September 2026, Hawaii has no statute that lets private employers give veterans a hiring preference. The exceptions to its employment discrimination law (HRS § 378-3) include no veterans' preference, and the state's veterans' preference (HRS § 76-103) covers only state and county civil service.

Source checked: capitol.hawaii.gov · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Hawaii

Idaho

As of September 2026, Idaho (Idaho Code § 65-513) lets a private employer give preference in hiring and promotion to anyone eligible for veterans' preference under § 65-503. That covers Idaho-resident veterans separated under honorable conditions after 90 days of continuous active duty (or earlier for a service-connected disability), disabled veterans, a veteran's widow or widower who has not remarried, and the spouse of a service-connected disabled veteran whose disability keeps the veteran from qualifying for public employment. The statute sets no written-policy rule.

Statute: Idaho Code § 65-513 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Idaho

Illinois

As of September 2026, Illinois' Veterans Preference in Private Employment Act (330 ILCS 56) lets a private employer adopt a voluntary veterans' preference policy. The policy must be in writing, posted at the workplace or on the employer's website, and mentioned on the job application along with where to get it, and it must be applied uniformly to hiring, promotion and retention during a reduction in force. Eligible veterans include those who served more than 180 days on active duty with a discharge other than dishonorable, those discharged because of a service-connected disability, and Illinois National Guard members who separated under conditions other than dishonorable. The Illinois Human Rights Act exempts a policy that follows the Act (775 ILCS 5/2-104).

Statute: 330 ILCS 56 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Illinois

Indiana

As of September 2026, Indiana (IC 10-17-15) lets a private employer have a veterans' preference employment policy. It must be in writing and applied uniformly to hiring, promotion or retention during a reduction in force, and the employer may require a DD 214. A veteran is anyone who served in the U.S. armed forces or their reserves, or the Indiana Army or Air National Guard, and was released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. The preference does not violate state or local equal employment opportunity laws, and a policy cannot override a collective bargaining agreement that was in effect before it was adopted.

Statute: IC 10-17-15 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Indiana

Iowa

As of September 2026, Iowa (Iowa Code § 35.3) lets a private employer grant preference in hiring and promotion to a veteran as defined in § 35.1, which covers several groups, including Iowa residents who served on federal active duty and were discharged under honorable conditions and certain long-serving Guard and reserve members. The preference can also go to the spouse of a veteran with a permanent, compensable service-connected disability and to the surviving spouse of a service member who died on active duty during a time of military conflict or as a result of that service. It does not violate state or local equal employment opportunity law, including Iowa Code chapter 216, but may be granted only if consistent with federal law.

Statute: Iowa Code § 35.3 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Iowa

Kansas

As of September 2026, Kansas (K.S.A. 73-231) lets a private employer adopt a policy giving hiring preference to a veteran who meets the requirements of the vacant position. The policy must be in writing and applied consistently to all decisions about initial employment, and the veteran must give proof of service and of an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions. The veteran definition it borrows (K.S.A. 73-201) also counts the spouse of a veteran rated 100 percent permanent and total, the surviving spouse of a veteran who died in the line of duty, and the spouse of a prisoner of war. The section has no clause on equal employment law.

Statute: K.S.A. 73-231 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Kansas

Kentucky

As of September 2026, Kentucky's Voluntary Veterans' Preference Employment Policy Act (KRS 40.345) lets a private employer prefer a veteran over another qualified applicant or employee. The policy must be in writing and applied uniformly to hiring, promotion or retention during a reduction in workforce, and the employer may require a DD 214. Granting the preference does not violate state or local equal employment opportunity law, including KRS Chapter 344. The section does not define veteran, and spouses are not covered.

Statute: KRS 40.345 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Kentucky

Louisiana

As of September 2026, Louisiana (La. R.S. 23:1001) lets a private employer adopt a policy giving hiring preference to an honorably discharged veteran, the spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability, the unremarried widow or widower of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability, and the unremarried widow or widower of a service member who died in the line of duty under combat-related conditions. The statute calls itself permissive, not mandatory, sets no written-policy rule, and says the preferences are not violations of state or local equal employment opportunity law. It does not define veteran.

Statute: La. R.S. 23:1001 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Louisiana

Maine

As of September 2026, Maine's Voluntary Veteran Preference Employment Policy Act (26 M.R.S. §§ 876 to 878) lets a private employer have a veteran preference policy for hiring, promotion or retention during a reduction in workforce. It must be in writing and applied uniformly, and the employer may require a DD Form 214. A veteran is someone who served on active duty, in the National Guard of any state or in the Reserves and received an honorable discharge. The Maine Human Rights Act treats applying the preference as lawful (5 M.R.S. § 4573(7)). Spouses are not covered.

Statute: 26 M.R.S. §§ 876 to 878 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Maine

Maryland

As of September 2026, Maryland (Labor and Employment § 3-714) lets an employer grant a preference in hiring and promotion to an eligible veteran, the spouse of an eligible veteran with a service-connected disability, the spouse of an eligible active service member, and the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran. Granting it does not violate state or local equal employment opportunity law, and private employers have no written-policy rule. Through September 30, 2026, an eligible veteran needs an honorable discharge or a certificate of satisfactory completion of service. From October 1, 2026, a discharge other than dishonorable qualifies, and the spouse category becomes the spouse of any active service member.

Statute: Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. § 3-714 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Maryland

Massachusetts

As of September 2026, Massachusetts (G.L. c. 149, § 44 3/4) lets a private, nonpublic employer, notwithstanding the state anti-discrimination law (chapter 151B), give a preference in hiring or promotion to a veteran, the spouse of an honorably discharged veteran whom the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs rates 100 percent disabled from enemy action or a service-connected accident, and the surviving spouse of a veteran. The section sets no written-policy rule and does not define veteran; Massachusetts' general statutory definition (G.L. c. 4, § 7, cl. 43) is the default.

Statute: M.G.L. c. 149, § 44 3/4 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Massachusetts

Michigan

As of September 2026, Michigan's Private Employer's Veterans' Preference Policy Act (MCL 35.1201 to 35.1202) lets a private employer adopt a voluntary policy preferring a veteran over another equally qualified applicant or employee, so it works as a tie-breaker. The policy must be in writing and applied uniformly to hiring, promotion and retention during a reduction in the workforce. A covered veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and served at least 180 days of active duty or has a service-connected disability. The Act has no clause on equal employment law, and spouses are not covered.

Statute: MCL 35.1201 to 35.1202 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Michigan

Minnesota

As of September 2026, Minnesota (Minn. Stat. § 197.4551) lets a private, nonpublic employer grant preference to a veteran in hiring and promotion. It may also prefer the spouse of a disabled veteran who has a service-connected permanent and total disability, and the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran. Granting the preference does not violate state or local equal employment opportunity law, including the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The statute sets no written-policy rule. Veteran has the meaning in Minn. Stat. § 197.447, and § 197.448 extends the same preference to Minnesota-resident veterans of the Secret War in Laos.

Statute: Minn. Stat. § 197.4551 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Minnesota

Mississippi

As of September 2026, Mississippi has no statute that lets private employers give veterans a hiring preference. Bills to create one (2018 SB 2039, 2019 HB 4 and SB 2052, and 2020 HB 322) all died; 2020 HB 322 passed the House and then died in a Senate committee.

Source checked: billstatus.ls.state.ms.us · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Mississippi

Missouri

As of September 2026, Missouri (RSMo § 285.250) lets a private, nonpublic employer grant preference to a veteran in hiring and promotion, and to the spouse of a disabled veteran with a service-connected permanent and total disability or the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran. Granting the preference does not violate any state equal employment opportunity law; the statute does not mention local ordinances. It sets no written-policy rule and does not define veteran.

Statute: RSMo § 285.250 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Missouri

Montana

As of September 2026, Montana's Veteran Hiring Preference Act for Private Employers (Mont. Code Ann. §§ 39-29-201 to 39-29-203) lets a private employer, for-profit or nonprofit, adopt a policy giving veterans preference in hiring. It sets no writing, notice or documentation rules and covers veterans only, as defined in § 39-29-101(11). The law says it may not be interpreted to violate any other state or local equal employment opportunity law.

Statute: Mont. Code Ann. §§ 39-29-201 to 39-29-203 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Montana

Nebraska

As of September 2026, Nebraska (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-238) lets a private employer adopt a voluntary policy preferring an eligible person over another equally qualified applicant or employee in hiring and promotion. The policy must be in writing and applied uniformly, and an employer that implements one must notify the Commissioner of Labor, who keeps a registry. Eligible people include veterans with an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge, the spouse of a veteran rated 100 percent permanently disabled or who died because of service, and the spouse of a service member while the member is on active status and up to 180 days after. The policy is not a violation of state or local equal employment opportunity law.

Statute: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-238 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Nebraska

Nevada

As of September 2026, Nevada (NRS 613.385) lets a private employer adopt a policy giving hiring preference to a veteran or the spouse of a veteran. The policy must be applied uniformly to hiring, promotion and retention during a reduction in the workforce, and on a written complaint the Nevada Equal Rights Commission can review it and require changes. The preference does not violate state or local equal employment law. The veteran definition it uses (NRS 417.005) is limited to Nevada residents.

Statute: NRS 613.385 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Nevada

New Hampshire

As of September 2026, New Hampshire (RSA 275-G), notwithstanding any law to the contrary, lets a private employer establish a policy preferring a veteran, an active-duty service member or a military spouse over another qualified applicant or employee in hiring or promotion. The policy must be in writing and applied uniformly, and the employer may require a qualifying document such as a DD Form 214. Since August 31, 2026, a veteran is anyone who served on active duty and received an honorable discharge, a general discharge under honorable conditions, or an uncharacterized discharge because of a service-connected injury, illness or disability; before that date only an honorable discharge counted.

Statute: RSA 275-G:1 to 275-G:3 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in New Hampshire

New Jersey

As of September 2026, New Jersey has no statute that lets an employer adopt its own veterans' preference policy. Instead, N.J.S.A. 38A:22-1 (recodified effective January 9, 2026) directs the state Department of Veterans Affairs to run a program in which employers voluntarily commit to a veterans' preference plan, with a quota of veterans set by the commissioner for each participating employer and first preference for disabled veterans. It sets no terms for an employer's own written policy and has no equal employment safe harbor.

Statute: N.J.S.A. 38A:22-1 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in New Jersey

New Mexico

As of September 2026, New Mexico has no statute that lets private employers give veterans a hiring preference. A 2022 bill to allow one (SB 28) died in a Senate committee. Since 2024 the state Human Rights Act has listed military status, which includes veterans, as a protected class (NMSA 1978 § 28-1-7).

Source checked: nmlegis.gov · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in New Mexico

New York

As of September 2026, New York has no statute that lets private employers give veterans a hiring preference. A bill to allow a written, uniformly applied private-sector preference has been filed every session since 2015 without passing; the 2025 to 2026 versions are S3128 and A11103. The state Human Rights Law bars discrimination based on military status (Executive Law § 296) and has no preference exception.

Source checked: nysenate.gov · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in New York

North Carolina

As of September 2026, North Carolina (G.S. 95-28.4) lets a private, nonpublic employer provide a preference to a veteran for employment, and to the spouse of an honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected permanent and total disability. Granting the preference is not a violation of state or local equal employment opportunity law. The statute sets no writing, uniformity or filing rules and does not define veteran.

Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-28.4 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in North Carolina

North Dakota

As of September 2026, North Dakota (N.D.C.C. § 37-19.1-05) lets a private, nonpublic employer provide a preference to a veteran for employment, and to the spouse of an honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected permanent and total disability, without violating state or local equal employment opportunity law. The chapter's veteran definition covers people with qualifying federal active duty who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and anyone serving in or honorably discharged from the National Guard or a reserve unit. There is no written-policy rule.

Statute: N.D. Cent. Code § 37-19.1-05 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in North Dakota

Ohio

As of September 2026, Ohio (R.C. 5903.15) lets an employer with one or more employees adopt a policy giving a preference in hiring, promotion or retention during a reduction in force to a service member, a veteran, or the spouse or surviving spouse of either. The preference is not a violation of state or local equal employment opportunity law, and the employer may ask about military status to apply it. The statute does not say the policy must be written. An employer may notify the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, which the statute directs to keep a public registry.

Statute: Ohio Rev. Code § 5903.15 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Ohio

Oklahoma

As of September 2026, Oklahoma's Voluntary Veterans' Preference Employment Policy Act (40 O.S. § 801) lets a private employer prefer a veteran in hiring, promotion or retention during a reduction in force. The policy must be in writing and applied uniformly, the employer may require a DD 214, and the preference does not violate state or local equal employment opportunity law. A covered veteran must have served on active duty, received an honorable discharge and be registered with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs veterans registry. Spouses are not covered.

Statute: 40 O.S. § 801 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Oklahoma

Oregon

As of September 2026, Oregon (ORS 408.497) lets a private, nonpublic employer give preference in hiring and promotion to a person who is performing or has performed service in the uniformed service, to the spouse of such a person whom the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has found permanently and totally disabled from enemy action or a service-related accident, and to the widow or widower of such a person. The statute sets no written-policy, notice or documentation rules and has no clause on equal employment law.

Statute: ORS 408.497 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Oregon

Pennsylvania

As of September 2026, Pennsylvania (51 Pa.C.S. §§ 7201 to 7205) lets a private employer adopt a veterans' preference policy covering veterans, spouses of disabled veterans and surviving spouses. The policy must be in writing, mentioned in every job posting, given to the applicant at hiring and to all employees every year, and applied uniformly to hiring, promotion and retention during a reduction in the work force. The person claiming the preference submits the veteran's discharge papers (DD214, DD215 or NGB-22). A policy that follows these rules is not a violation of state or local equal employment opportunity law.

Statute: 51 Pa.C.S. §§ 7201 to 7205 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

As of September 2026, Rhode Island (R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-21-14) lets a private employer adopt a policy giving veterans a preference in hiring, promotion or both. The policy must be in writing and applied uniformly to hiring and promotion decisions, and the employer may require a DD Form 214 or similar separation papers. A veteran is someone who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable or general discharge. The section has no clause on equal employment law, and spouses are not covered.

Statute: R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-21-14 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Rhode Island

South Carolina

As of September 2026, South Carolina's Human Affairs Law (S.C. Code Ann. § 1-13-80(I)(13)) says it is not an unlawful employment practice for a private employer to give preference in employment to a veteran, or to the veteran's spouse if the veteran has a service-connected permanent and total disability. The statute sets no written-policy or notice rules. It borrows its definition of veteran from § 25-11-40(A): "a person who served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States and who was honorably discharged or released from such service due to a service-connected disability."

Statute: S.C. Code Ann. § 1-13-80(I)(13) · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in South Carolina

South Dakota

As of September 2026, South Dakota has no statute that lets private employers give veterans a hiring preference. Its veterans' preference law (SDCL 3-3-1 to 3-3-9) binds only the state, counties, municipalities and school districts.

Source checked: sdlegislature.gov · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in South Dakota

Tennessee

As of September 2026, Tennessee (Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-1-107) lets a private employer adopt a policy giving hiring preference to an honorably discharged veteran, the spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability, and the unremarried widow or widower of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability or of a service member who died in the line of duty. The policy must be in writing and applied uniformly to hiring and promotion decisions, and the employer may require a DD 214. The preferences are not violations of state or local equal employment opportunity law.

Statute: Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-1-107 (enacting act: Public Chapter 9 of 2017) · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Tennessee

Texas

As of September 2026, Texas (Labor Code chapter 23) lets a private employer adopt a written policy giving a veteran preference over another qualified applicant or employee in hiring, promotion or retention during a reduction in force. The employer must apply it reasonably and in good faith, may require appropriate documentation, and may notify the Texas Workforce Commission or the Texas Veterans Commission that it has adopted one. A veteran is someone who served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces and was honorably discharged. Granting the preference under such a policy does not violate Labor Code chapter 21. Spouses are not covered.

Statute: Tex. Lab. Code §§ 23.001 to 23.003 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Texas

Utah

As of September 2026, Utah's Veterans Preference in Private Employment Act (Utah Code §§ 34-50-101 to 34-50-105) lets a private employer create a preference policy for preference-eligible people: veterans and current service members, disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, military retirees, and the spouses or surviving spouses of veterans and service members. The policy must be in writing, applied uniformly to hiring, promotion or retention, and posted at the workplace, or online if the employer has a website or advertises jobs online. The employer may require a discharge document or proof of current service. The preference does not violate the Utah Antidiscrimination Act or other state or local equal employment law.

Statute: Utah Code §§ 34-50-101 to 34-50-105 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Utah

Vermont

As of September 2026, Vermont has no statute that lets private employers give veterans a hiring preference. A 2016 bill (H.807) would have added one and died in committee. Vermont's statutory veterans' preference covers state-funded positions only (20 V.S.A. § 1543).

Source checked: legislature.vermont.gov · Checked September 23, 2026

Virginia

As of September 2026, Virginia (Va. Code § 40.1-27.2) lets an employer grant preference in hiring and promotion to a veteran or to the spouse of a veteran with a compensable service-connected permanent and total disability. Granting it does not violate state or local equal employment opportunity law, and the statute sets no written-policy rule. A veteran is an honorably discharged person who served more than 180 consecutive days of full-time active duty (reserve components and the National Guard included) or has a VA service-connected disability rating.

Statute: Va. Code § 40.1-27.2 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Virginia

Washington

As of September 2026, Washington (RCW 73.16.110) lets any private employer prefer, for employment, soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians and other uniformed service members with a qualifying discharge and their widows or widowers, spouses of active duty service members, and spouses of veterans with a service-connected permanent and total disability. The preferences are not violations of state or local equal employment opportunity law, including chapter 49.60 RCW. A 2026 amendment in force since June 11, 2026 broadened the groups covered and added spouses of active duty members.

Statute: RCW 73.16.110 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Washington

West Virginia

As of September 2026, West Virginia (W. Va. Code § 16B-17-9a) lets an employer grant preference in hiring to an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran, or to a military spouse who relocates with a service member under permanent change of station orders, if the person meets all the job's knowledge, skill and eligibility requirements. The preference does not violate the state Human Rights Act or any other state equal employment opportunity law. It applies to employers of 12 or more people in the state for 20 or more calendar weeks. Sources that cite the old section number, § 5-11-9a, are out of date.

Statute: W. Va. Code § 16B-17-9a · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in West Virginia

Wisconsin

As of September 2026, Wisconsin has no statute that lets private employers give veterans a hiring preference. The Wisconsin Fair Employment Act protects military service and has no preference exception, and the state's statutory veterans' preferences apply only to public civil service.

Source checked: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Wisconsin

Wyoming

As of September 2026, Wyoming (Wyo. Stat. § 19-14-111) lets a private employer grant preference in hiring and promotion to a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran with a compensable service-connected permanent and total disability, and the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran. The preference is not a discriminatory or unfair employment practice under state or local equal employment opportunity law, provided it is not based in any manner on a characteristic protected under state law. A veteran is a member of the U.S. armed forces whose separation papers show an honorable discharge or honorable service, with no minimum length of service.

Statute: Wyo. Stat. § 19-14-111 · Checked September 23, 2026 · Employers hiring veterans in Wyoming