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House committee hears sponsor on refundable hiring credit for veterans and military spouses
Summary
House Bill 529 would create a refundable state tax credit to incentivize employers to hire and retain veterans, National Guard/reserve members and spouses; the proposal sets tiered credits tied to retention and disability status and caps statewide credits at $1 million annually.
Representative Seegrest presented House Bill 529, a proposal to create a refundable state tax credit for hiring and retaining veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and spouses of service members.
Seegrest said the credit mirrors the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit and is designed to be simple to administer through the Tax Commissioner’s office. The credit is tiered—providing higher amounts for disabled veterans and higher retention milestones—and is administered on a first‑come, first‑served basis with a statewide cap of $1 million per year. The sponsor said credits are intended both to encourage initial hiring and to reward retention over multiple years; he indicated the bill could apply to currently employed qualifying individuals as well as new hires.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about eligibility windows, prorating for part‑time work, and administrative processes. Seegrest said program rules would specify documentation and that the Tax Commissioner would issue guidance and manage applications. The committee took no vote; HB 529 will receive further consideration.
