H. B. 2434

                        (By Delegates P. Smith, Hartman, Perry, Moye, Rodighiero,

                         Trecost, Eldridge, Campbell, Lynch, Williams and Longstreth)

                        [Introduced January 27, 2015; referred to the

                        Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and Homeland Security then Finance.]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article, designated §6-13A-1, relating to requiring an employer to retain a job for a veteran with a service-connected disability while the veteran seeks or receives treatment related to the service-connected disability and is able to return to work.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

            That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended by adding thereto a new article, designated §6-13A-1, to read as follows:

ARTICLE 13A. JOB RETENTION FOR CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS.

§6-13A-1. Job to be held for veteran seeking or receiving treatment for service-connected disability.

            Any veteran with a service-connected disability recognized by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who is employed in any position by any employer in the state shall have his or her position retained while the veteran is seeking or receiving treatment related to the disability and is able to return to work following treatment. This provision is in addition to any job protection provisions offered under the federal Family Medical Leave Act.

            NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to provide job retention for any veteran employed by any employer in the state, while the veteran seeks or receives treatment for the injury or injuries related to the veteran’s service-connected disability, and is able to return to work.

            This article is new; therefore, it has been completely underscored.