HB 1117 Summary

• Establishes the Hoosier Women Veterans Program within the Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs, effective January 1, 2015.

• Defines "women veterans" as women who served in the U.S. armed forces and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

• Requires the director of veterans' affairs to designate a coordinator to administer the program with duties including outreach, needs assessment, program review, and recommendations to improve benefits and services.

• Authorizes the program to advocate for women veterans, collaborate with federal and state entities, monitor women veterans' issues, provide education on grants and benefits, and recognize women veterans through events.

• Creates the Hoosier Women Veterans Program Fund administered by the department, funded through general assembly appropriations and gifts/grants, with money continuously appropriated for program purposes.