HOUSE BILL NO. 2840 Offered January 10, 2007 Prefiled January 10, 2007 A BILL to amend and reenact § 2.2-2903 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the Virginia Personnel Act; hiring preference for veterans for employment with the Commonwealth.  ---------- Patron-- Hall ---------- Committee Referral Pending ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 2.2-2903 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 2.2-2903. Grade or rating increase and other preferences for veterans.

A. In a manner consistent with federal and state law, if any veteran applies for employment with the Commonwealth that is based on the passing of any written examination, the veteran's grade or rating on such examination shall be increased by five percent. However, if the veteran has a service-connected disability rating fixed by the United States Veterans Administration, his grade or rating shall be increased by 10 percent on such written examination. Such increases shall apply only if the veteran passes such examination.

B. In a manner consistent with federal and state law, if any veteran applies for employment with the Commonwealth that is not based on the passing of any examination, such veteran's military service veteran shall be taken into consideration given preference by the Commonwealth during the selection process, provided that such veteran meets all of the knowledge, skill, and ability requirements for the available position. Additional consideration shall also be given to veterans who have a service-connected disability rating fixed by the United States Veterans Administration.

C. If any veteran is denied employment with the Commonwealth, he shall be entitled, to the extent permitted by law, to request and inspect information regarding the reasons for such denial.

D. For purposes of this section, "veteran" means any person who has received an honorable discharge and has (i) provided more than 180 consecutive days of full-time, active-duty service in the armed forces of the United States or reserve components thereof, including the National Guard, or (ii) has a service-connected disability rating fixed by the United States Veterans Affairs.