1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

   2. (2) “Eligible veteran” means a veteran of any branch of the uniformed services who has received an honorable discharge or a certificate of satisfactory completion of service, including:

      1. (i) a reserve component;
      2. (ii) the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service; and
      3. (iii) the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
   3. (3) “Reserve component” has the meaning stated in § 9-901 of the State Government Article.
   4. (4) “Veteran” has the meaning stated in § 9-901 of the State Government Article.

2. (b) The Commission may grant a preference in hiring and promotion to:

   1. (1) an eligible veteran;
   2. (2) the spouse of an eligible veteran who has a service-connected disability; or
   3. (3) the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran.
3. (c) Granting a preference under subsection (b) of this section does not violate any State or local equal employment opportunity law.

Added by Acts 2022, c. 457, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2022. Amended by Acts 2025, c. 253, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025; Acts 2025, c. 254, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.