(a) A state agency may designate an open position as a military preference position and only accept applications for that position from individuals who are entitled to a military employment preference under Section 657.003.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a state agency may hire or appoint for an open position within the agency an individual entitled to a military employment preference under Section 657.003 without announcing or advertising the position if the agency:
(1) uses the automated labor exchange system administered by the Texas Workforce Commission to identify an individual who qualifies for a military employment preference under this chapter; and
(2) determines the individual meets the qualifications required for the position.