Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 40.1-27.2 as follows:

§40.1-27.2. Preference for veterans and spouses.

A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Disabled veteran" means a veteran who has been found by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or by the retirement board of one of the several branches of the armed forces to have a compensable service-connected permanent and total disability.

"Veteran" has the same meaning ascribed to such term in §2.2-2903.

B. An employer may grant preference in hiring and promotion to a veteran or the spouse of a disabled veteran.

C. Granting preference under subsection B does not violate any local or state equal employment opportunity law.