HARRISBURG, March 15, 2016 – The Senate today approved Senate Bill 1013, a bill introduced by Senators Vincent Hughes and Randy Vulakovich, that would let Pennsylvania employers adopt and use a veterans’ preference employment policy.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to those veterans who served the nation in time of peril. Hiring a veteran is more than just a noble idea, veterans are likely to excel in self-discipline and possess courage, constancy and fidelity — all valuable qualifications,” said Senator Vulakovich, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee.
“This bill leaves the decision whether or not to adopt a policy solely up to an employer,” said Senator Hughes. “There is no mandate on an employer to have a veterans’ preference. But, this measure would provide a way for employers to recognize the experience provided through military service and help veterans transition back into the civilian workforce.”
Senate Bill 1013 would exempt employers with a written veterans’ employment policy from violations of state and local equal employment opportunities law. Legislation allowing veterans’ preference has been signed into law in a number of states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Oklahoma.
The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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