HB 6043 Summary

• County boards of commissioners must levy a tax not exceeding 1/10 mill per dollar to create soldiers' relief funds for honorably discharged indigent veterans, their spouses, widows/widowers, minor children, and parents.

• Expands definition of "veteran" to include all members of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard) and reserve components, replacing outdated terminology referencing specific branches.

• Chief judge of probate court appoints 3 county residents who are honorably discharged veterans to serve on county soldiers' relief commissions with staggered 3-year terms to determine eligibility and distribute aid.

• Defines "indigent" as experiencing substantial financial hardship, including those receiving public assistance, Medicaid, earning under 140% of federal poverty guideline, or unemployed; allows emergency relief up to $300 when commission unavailable.

• Commission must provide annual reports to county board of commissioners detailing activities, fund balance, expenditures, and future estimates; establishes definitions for "aid and relief," "armed forces," "reserve components," and related terms.