An Act protecting veterans’ preference in hiring practices

This bill establishes a hiring preference for veterans, disabled veterans, and certain family members when cities and towns hire police officers and firefighters. It mandates that these eligible candidates be placed at the top of the eligible list if they pass the required examinations, even in municipalities that are normally exempt from standard civil service rules. The legislation also creates a formal process for applicants to appeal to the Civil Service Commission if they believe a local government failed to provide the required preference. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Civil Service Commission to hear these appeals and imposes a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation of the hiring preference rules. Finally, it requires affected municipalities to post a notice on their websites informing the public that these positions are subject to the new preference requirements.