42.380.  Rights of veterans. — 1.  This section shall be known and may be^* cited as "The Veterans' Bill of Rights".

  2.  Veterans in this state have a right to:

  (1)  Receive assistance from a local veterans service officer in completing applications for state and federal benefits;

  (2)  Receive counseling from veterans service officers and receive information about compensation, pensions, education benefits, life insurance medical benefits, state benefits, and burial benefits;

  (3)  Preference in public employment as described in section 36.220;

  (4)  Be treated with dignity and respect and to receive accurate, courteous, and timely service; and

  (5)  Receive fair and equal treatment without regard to sex, race, religion, handicap, ethnicity, or national origin.