TN HB2397

Local governmental entities must invite honorably discharged veterans from any military branch or reserve component to interview for positions when they are in the candidate pool for appointment or promotion.

Veterans who meet minimum qualifications must receive hiring preference over equally qualified non-veteran applicants.

Spouses or surviving spouses of veterans with 100% service-connected disability or who died in the line of duty must also be invited to interview, provided they are Tennessee voters or 2-year residents.

Local governmental entities that select a non-veteran over an eligible veteran must file written reasons with the Commissioner of Veterans Services within 30 days.

All application forms used by local governmental entities and state appointing authorities must include an option for applicants to declare veteran status.