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A number of new advancements might impact the work of military service members and their households and employers' compliance commitments in 2026. Modifications vary from proposals to increase rewards for working with military partners to enhanced employment protections for service members while on task. Military spouse job opportunity and assistance remain a focus for pending legislation.

On November 20, 2025, Senators Costs Cassidy (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Representatives Steven Horsford (D-NV) and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) presented an upgraded version of the Improve and Improve the Work Chance Tax Credit Act (S. 3265/H. R. 6231) that would extend the Work Chance Tax Credit (WOTC) to military spouses. The WOTC provides federal tax credits to companies that work with certain "American task applicants who have actually regularly faced barriers to employment." That proposed legislation is comparable to the Military Spouse Hiring Act (H.R. 2033/S.1027), presented earlier in 2025.

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Frequent Relocations Regular movings continue to strain military households and can make it more tough for companies to hire and keep military spouses. Expanding the WOTC could create new incentives for companies to hire military partners and use this underutilized skill pool. In addition, the Supporting Tours Across Years (STAY) Act (H.R. 6146), introduced in November 2025, seeks to limit movings of active-duty servicemembers.

Unlocking Specialized Veteran Aid Programs

The U.S. Congress has actually not yet used up the STAY Act this year, however if it is ultimately enacted, it might lead to lowered PCS moves that could impact recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military partners. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law currently offers civilian work leave securities for veterans and service members who are involuntarily or willingly released for military service.

In January 2025, Congress enacted the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Advantages Enhancement Act (Dole Act), which consisted of provisions affecting USERRA enforcement and remedies. The Dole Act bolstered anti-retaliation protections and enabled complainants alleging USERRA violations to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and lawyers' charges. Agencies and courts may continue to analyze and apply the Dole Act's USERRA-related provisions.

New Employer Resources In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (DOL/VETS) released a program for companies to look for guidance for guaranteeing compliance. The Assistance and Help for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is a chance for employers to demand technical guidance on USERRA-related questions or particular concerns in their labor force before the start of a DOL/VETS problem or lawsuit.

Priority actions include reviewing USERRA compliance programs and training, upgrading military leave and reemployment policies, verifying health-benefit extension treatments, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to rapidly catch brand-new incentives for military partners. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Military Labor force Practice Group brings together a team of attorneys, a lot of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who frequently recommend on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate application, and examinations and lawsuits.

Patton, Jr. cochair the group. In addition, the Ogletree Deakins Client Website covers new laws and developments in Armed force Leave. All client-users have access to Photos and Updates. Premium subscribers have access to details, updated design templates, and other resources. For more details on the Customer Website or a Client Website membership, please reach out to .

What Are the Best Employment Paths for Veterans?

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For 10 years, Employing Our Heroes has actually championed military partner work, producing paths to opportunity and driving systemic change. As we celebrate this milestone, the 10th Yearly Military Partner Work Summit will honor the tradition of development while charting a vibrant course for the future. This year's top concentrates on Leadership & Legacy as we recognize the spouses, companies, and advocates who have changed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to grow in an evolving workforce.

Together, we will develop on a decade of service and success to create a future where military spouses lead with strength, vision, and function.

Military spouses deal with among the most consistent work spaces in the American workforce. According to information from the United States Department of Labor, military partner joblessness has hovered around 20% or higher in the last few years. This far exceeds the national average, which typically falls listed below 5%. An interview with Sarah Roder, Director of Partnerships & Member Engagement at Armed Forces Mutual and a military partner herself, shows how those challenges play out in practice and how spouses can browse them more effectively.