§3–714.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Eligible service member” means a full–time active duty member of any branch of the uniformed services of the United States.

        (3)    “Eligible veteran” means a veteran of any branch of the uniformed services of the United States who has received an honorable discharge or a certificate of satisfactory completion of service, including:

            (i)    the National Guard;

            (ii)    the military reserves;

            (iii)    the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service; and

            (iv)    the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

    (b)    An employer may grant a preference in hiring and promotion to:

        (1)    an eligible veteran;

        (2)    the spouse of an eligible veteran who has a service–connected disability;

        (3)    the spouse of an eligible service member; or

        (4)    the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran.

    (c)    Granting a preference under subsection (b) of this section does not violate any State or local equal employment opportunity law.