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 on active duty 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 10-17-12-7.5 (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 on active duty 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.