SB376 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Hightower

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Veterans, discriminatory hiring practices prohibited, complaint and hearing by Department of Veterans' Affairs, Secs. 31-5-4, 31-5-7 am'd.

Summary

SB376 would prohibit discriminatory hiring practices against veterans and let the Department of Veterans' Affairs handle complaints and remedies.

What This Bill Does

It makes it unlawful to discriminate against a veteran in hiring. Veterans can file complaints with the Department of Veterans' Affairs, which can investigate, hold an administrative hearing, and issue orders to remedy violations (such as restitution or requiring the employer to hire the veteran). Employers must provide notice of the law to applicants, the department can adopt rules, and decisions can be appealed to circuit court; a defense allows job-related criteria that are necessary for business purposes and consistent with business necessity, in line with USERRA.

Who It Affects

• Veterans seeking employment in Alabama who would be protected from employment discrimination and can file complaints if they believe they were treated unfairly.
• Employers in Alabama who would be prohibited from discriminatory hiring against veterans and would face investigations, potential administrative orders, required notices to applicants, and possible appeals.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits discrimination against a veteran in hiring (unlawful employment practice).
• Veterans may file a complaint with the Department of Veterans' Affairs; the department may investigate and hold an administrative hearing.
• The department can issue administrative orders to remedy violations, including restitution, hiring the veteran, and other relief.
• There is a defense allowing job-related qualification standards or tests that screen out a veteran if they are necessary for business purposes and cannot be accommodated otherwise.
• Employers must provide notice of this section to applicants in an accessible format; the department will prepare compliant language for employers.
• Appeals of department orders may be taken to the circuit court in the county where the veteran resides.
• The department may adopt rules to administer these provisions and ensure consistency with USERRA.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Veterans