MO HB645

Establishes hiring preference for veterans in Missouri state agencies for positions not subject to merit system requirements (chapter 36)

Disabled veterans receive superior preference over other veterans; employers must hire qualified disabled veterans unless documented justifiable cause exists for not doing so

Veterans qualify for preference if they served honorably on active duty for at least six consecutive months, or completed six years in reserve/National Guard components

Exempts certain positions from veteran preference including teachers, superintendents, higher education leadership, athletic coaches, and positions appointed by the governor or general assembly

Current state agency employees are ineligible for veteran preference when applying for different positions within the same or other state agencies