HB 114 - For purposes of the State Personnel Law, this act changes the definition of "veteran" to include persons who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during peacetime or wartime for at least six consecutive months unless released early due to a service- connected disability or government reductions, and members of a reserve or National Guard component who have at least six years satisfactory service or were called to active duty by the President and participated in any campaign for which a campaign badge or service medal has been authorized.

The act also changes the definition of "disabled veteran" to include National Guard veterans permanently disabled as a result of active service to Missouri, and changes the definition of "surviving spouse" to include an unmarried surviving spouse of a National Guard veteran killed as a result of active service to Missouri.

Under current law, a veteran is a Missouri citizen, honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Services who served on active duty before July 1, 1955, between August, 1964 and January 1, 1975, or who participated in any campaign for which a campaign badge or service medal has been authorized.

These changes allow more people to qualify for a veterans' bonus under the state personnel law. Those eligible will receive five additional points on any merit system examination.

This act is similar to HB 1104 from 1994.
MARGARET TOALSON