Authorizes private employers to provide employment preferences for veterans. (8/1/16) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
The enactment of SB72 is expected to encourage more private employers to create veteran-friendly hiring policies, thereby improving job prospects for veterans in the state. While the preference in hiring is permissive and not mandatory, it aligns with broader efforts to support veterans in their transition to civilian employment. The bill also stipulates that such preferences shall not violate existing state or local equal employment opportunity laws, which seeks to balance the intent of the bill with anti-discrimination measures in the workplace.
Senate Bill 72 (SB72) is a legislative act aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for veterans in Louisiana. The bill authorizes private employers to implement a hiring preference system analogous to that used by the state and local governments for veterans. Specifically, it provides a framework whereby private employers may choose to give preferential treatment in hiring practices to honorably discharged veterans, as well as certain family members of veterans, including spouses of veterans with service-connected disabilities and unremarried widows or widowers of veterans who died due to service-related conditions.
The sentiment around SB72 appears to be largely positive, especially among veteran advocacy groups and supporters of the measure. Proponents argue that this bill represents a step forward in recognizing and rewarding the sacrifices made by veterans, making it easier for them to secure employment upon returning to civilian life. There is, however, an underlying concern about ensuring that such preferences do not inadvertently disadvantage other job applicants or violate workplace equity principles.
While SB72 encourages the hiring of veterans, it may encounter some challenges related to implementation and interpretation. Since the preferences are voluntary for private employers, there may be inconsistencies in how different companies approach veteran hiring policies. Critics of similar bills in other jurisdictions often voice concerns over fairness and the potential for perceived discrimination against non-veteran applicants. The bill effectively pushes the conversation about veteran employment to the forefront, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the need to support those who have served in the armed forces.