VA HB494

Establishes a hiring preference for former federal employees terminated on or after January 1, 2025, due to federal budget reductions or Department of Government Efficiency initiatives when applying for Virginia state government positions

Requires applicants to meet all knowledge, skill, and ability requirements for the position, and clarifies the preference does not create an entitlement to employment

Directs the Department of Human Resource Management to modify the state employment application system to allow applicants to self-identify as eligible former federal employees and indicate if they have verification documentation

Requires annual reporting to the Governor and General Assembly by January 1 each year on the number of applications from and job offers made to eligible former federal employees

The hiring preference provisions expire on January 21, 2029