1. (a) Former members of the armed forces of the United States who meet both of the following requirements shall receive a preference for appointment or reemployment in the state classified service:

   1. (1) The veteran served in any branch of the armed forces.
   2. (2) The veteran was not discharged or separated from the armed forces under conditions set forth in IC 10-17-12-8.1 (2).

2. (b) When:

   1. (1) preemployment interviews of external candidates are conducted; and

   2. (2) the qualified applicant pool includes veterans;

      veterans must be included in the group offered interviews.

3. (c) In computing seniority for purposes of a personnel reduction in state civil service, the computation must include the length of time the employee spent in the armed forces of the United States.

As added by P.L.229-2011, SEC.56. Amended by P.L.238-2025, SEC.4; P.L.94-2026, SEC.3.