I 112th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 5852 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 18, 2012 Mr. Towns introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform A BILL To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide that spouses and widows or widowers of certain veterans and members of the armed forces receive preference with respect to employment in the competitive service, and for other purposes.

1.

Hiring preference in the competitive service

(a)

In general

Section 3309 of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1)by inserting (a) before A preference eligible; and (2)by adding at the end the following: (b)(1)The spouse or unmarried widow or widower of an individual listed under subparagraph (A) or (B) who receives a passing grade in an examination for entrance into the competitive service is entitled to an additional 5 points above his or her earned rating: (A)A preference eligible under section 2108(3)(A)–(B). (B)A member of the armed forces. (2)Notwithstanding section 7 of title 1, the term spouse includes a spouse of the same sex as determined under applicable State law. . (b)

Conforming amendments

(1)

Section heading

The heading of section 3309 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting , spouses, and widows or widowers after eligibles. (2)

Table of contents

The table of sections for chapter 33 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 3309 and inserting the following: 3309. Preference eligibles, spouses, and widows or widowers; examinations; additional points for. . (c)

Effective date

(1)

In general

The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to any examination for entrance into the competitive service taken on or after the date of enactment of this section. (2)

Examinations prior to date of enactment

(A)

In general

With respect to any individual who received a passing grade on such an examination in 2012 but before the date of enactment of this section, the relevant hiring agency shall send notification to any such individual to determine whether such individual is eligible for the additional points provided by subsection (b) of section 3309 of title 5, United States Code (as added by subsection (a) of this section). (B)

Deadline

Beginning on the date that an individual receives notification under subparagraph (A), such individual shall have 30 days to respond to the relevant hiring agency in order to receive credit for such points.