CA SB665

Authorizes private employers to establish written voluntary veterans' preference employment policies that give preference to veterans over other qualified applicants in hiring decisions.

Requires employers with such policies to annually report to the Department of Fair Employment and Housing the number of veterans hired and demographic information about them; failure to report renders the preference ineligible for legal protections.

Provides that granting veterans' preference under this law does not violate California's Fair Employment and Housing Act or other equal employment opportunity laws and regulations.

Prohibits veterans' preference policies from being used to discriminate against applicants based on protected classifications such as race, sex, gender identity, age, or sexual orientation.

Mandates the Department of Fair Employment and Housing to report hiring data and discrimination claims related to veterans' preference policies to legislative committees by July 1, 2025 and July 1, 2027; the entire provision sunsets on January 1, 2028.