IN HB1549

Establishes responsibilities for the Division of Outdoor Recreation director, including coordinating outdoor recreation policy, promoting economic development, and preparing an annual report on the outdoor recreation industry's economic, social, and community impact across Indiana.

Requires the director to recommend policies and initiatives to the governor and general assembly to enhance recreational amenities and experiences, and to develop strategies for increasing outdoor recreation-related jobs.

Creates the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program to fund public agencies, nonprofits, schools, after-school programs, and community organizations that provide outdoor environmental, ecological, agricultural, or natural resource-based education and recreation programs.

Establishes grant selection criteria prioritizing schools with high numbers of at-risk students, programs reducing dropout rates, those using research-based curriculum, and programs where veterans comprise at least 50% of implementation or administration staff.

Creates the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program Fund, funded through general assembly appropriations, gifts, grants, and state fund transfers, with money continuously appropriated and not reverting to the general fund at fiscal year end. Effective July 1, 2019.