Senate Bill 872 introduces hiring preferences for veterans and military spouses in Maryland

During a recent session of the Maryland General Assembly's Environment and Transportation Committee, discussions centered on Senate Bill 872, known as the Families Serve Act. This legislation aims to enhance hiring and promotion preferences for veterans and the spouses of service members within local government sectors.

Lauren Fowler, representing Senator JB Jennings, introduced the bill, which has already gained unanimous approval in both the Senate and the House. The Families Serve Act builds on previous legislation passed in 2024 that provided similar preferences for spouses of eligible service members in both public and private sectors.

Senate Bill 872 expands these provisions by allowing local governments to offer hiring and promotion preferences to a broader group, including veterans, spouses of veterans with service-connected disabilities, spouses of active service members, and surviving spouses of deceased veterans. A notable feature of the bill is the provision for a 10-point credit on selection tests for these qualified individuals, which could significantly aid military spouses who frequently relocate due to service commitments.

While the bill does not mandate localities to adopt these preferences, it empowers them to do so if they choose, reflecting a supportive stance from various organizations, including the Maryland Municipal League and the Maryland Military Coalition.

The committee's discussions highlighted the importance of this legislation in addressing the employment challenges faced by military families, particularly those who often encounter difficulties due to frequent relocations. As the bill moves forward, its potential to incentivize local governments to support veterans and their families remains a focal point of interest.