(a) A person who is called to active state duty as a member of the armed forces of this state or any other state, including without limitation the National Guard, a reserve component of the armed forces, or the militia, is afforded such employment and reemployment rights, privileges, benefits, and protections in employment as though that person had been called to active duty in the service of the United States and shall not be denied hiring, retention in employment, promotion, or other incidents or advantages of employment because of any obligation as a member of the armed forces.
(b) In any civil action to enforce the provisions of this section, the prevailing party may be allowed a reasonable attorney's fee to be assessed by the court and collected as costs.