In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Active service member” has the meaning stated in § 9–901 of the State Government Article. “Eligible veteran” means a veteran who has received an other than dishonorable discharge or a certificate of satisfactory completion of service, including: a reserve component; the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service; and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “Reserve component” has the meaning stated in § 9–901 of the State Government Article. “Veteran” has the meaning stated in § 9–901 of the State Government Article. The Commission may grant a preference in hiring and promotion to: an eligible veteran; the spouse of an eligible veteran who has a service–connected disability; the spouse of an active service member; or the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran. Granting a preference under subsection (b) of this section does not violate any State or local equal employment opportunity law.