HB 1188

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Requires the Indiana department of veterans' affairs (department) to provide information regarding services available to veterans, state agencies that provide services to veterans, and additional public and private entities that offer services to veterans to state, county, and city agencies that interact with the public. Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services, the department of education, the commission for higher education, the department of workforce development, and the Indiana professional licensing agency to include the following questions in an application for a service, a benefit, assistance, or a professional credential: (1) "Have you served in the armed forces of the United States or their reserves, in the National Guard, or in the Indiana National Guard?". (2) "Are you the surviving spouse of someone who served in the armed forces of the United States or their reserves, in the National Guard, or in the Indiana National Guard?". Provides that the applications must state that the applicant is not required to answer the questions. Requires the agencies to keep the information submitted regarding veteran status in a data base and to report to the department not later than December 31 of each year. Allows the department to use the information to develop outreach programs for veterans and their families.