SB 344

Bill Subjects

Agencies; Department Of Veteran's Affairs (Dva) Armed Forces; Generally County Government Law Enforcement; Generally Veterans

Abstract

Defines "qualified part-time service officer". Establishes the county service officer grant fund to provide grants to counties for salaries for county service officers, including qualified part-time service officers. Requires the Indiana department of veterans' affairs commission (commission) to adopt rules establishing minimum annual salaries that a county must pay for county service officers, including qualified part-time service officers, in order for the county to receive a grant. Provides that the Indiana department of veterans' affairs (department) shall administer the fund. Requires a county or city service officer appointed or employed after June 30, 2025, to be accredited by the National Association of County Service Officers. Requires each county to appoint a county service officer. (Current law provides that a county may appoint a county service officer.) Requires a county that does not contain a consolidated city to employ: (1) a full-time service officer or two qualified part-time service officers if the county has at least 5,000 veterans residing in the county; and (2) an additional qualified part-time service officer for each additional 2,500 veterans. Requires a county containing a consolidated city to hire at least one full-time service officer or two qualified part-time service officers for each 10,000 veterans residing in the county. Requires that a county or city service officer appointed or employed before July 1, 2025, must be accredited by the National Association of County Service Officers before July 1, 2027. Makes an appropriation.