Private business vet preference

A private employer will be able to give veterans preference in hiring and promotion practices, effective Aug. 1, 2012.

Rep. John Kriesel (R-Cottage Grove) and Sen. Ted Daley (R-Eagan) sponsor the new law, which makes the veteran’s preference voluntary for private employers, who could also extend the benefit to the spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran. Some publicly funded agencies currently are allowed to give veterans hiring preference.

Kriesel, a veteran himself, said the law will help returning veterans obtain employment.

Although the federal Civil Rights Act considers voluntary veteran’s preference in employment as discriminatory, it is permitted if allowed under state or local laws.

Gov. Mark Dayton signed the law

April 18.

HF2100/ SF1599*/CH186