Amends GS 126-80 to expand State policy granting veterans preference in State employment governed by the Human Resources Act. Modifies the definition given to the term eligible veteran under the policy, set forth in GS 126-81, to include veterans who served on active duty rather than veterans who served during a period of war. Eliminates a period of war from the defined terms. Makes identical changes to GS 128-15 concerning veteran preference in public employment.