Veterans committee backs expanding hiring interview and retention preference to military spouses, including Guard/reserve

The committee voted unanimously on Feb. 9 to report LD 2130 — an act to support employment opportunities for military spouses — as "ought to pass as amended." The amendment adds a retention preference and explicitly covers spouses of actively serving National Guard and Reserve members alongside active‑duty spouses.

Representative Benjamin Himes moved the committee amendment to add retention rights and to expand the definition to include spouses of currently serving Guard and Reserve members; Representative Annie Graham seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous roll call that recorded 'yes' votes from a quorum of senators and representatives present.

Analyst Michelle Olsen told the panel the bill would modify the existing veteran preference statute for classified service interviews and asked the committee to consider whether the retention preference should also extend to military spouses; the Himes amendment implements that extension. Director David Richmond advised the committee on definitional options and suggested explicit language to capture active duty, reserves and Guard types.

What happens next: The bill moves forward as the committee’s recommendation to the full Legislature with the committee’s amendment. Language will be reviewed for form and statutory consistency before final bill text is filed.

Vote record (as read by the clerk during the hearing): Senator Dusan — yes; Senator Hickman — yes; Senator Timberlake — yes; Representative Graham — yes; Representative Terry — yes; Representative Frost — yes; Representative Chapman — yes; Representative Boyer — yes; Representative Soupeka/Pica — yes; Representative Himes — yes; Representative Fredericks — yes; Representative Faircloth — yes; Representative Mallon — yes. The clerk announced the vote was unanimous.