STATEHOUSE (March 21, 2017) — The Indiana House of Representatives voted unanimously today in support of a bill sponsored by State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) that would better ensure spouses of military veterans receive their benefits.
Under Senate Bill 382, those who want to note that they are a surviving spouse of a veteran on their driver’s license would be able to do so. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles would then share the collected information at least once a year with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, which will then provide the data to local county veteran service officers. These officers help facilitate the needs of service members and their families by providing resources for financial assistance and programs.
“The additional information placed on identification cards and provided to the BMV will help the state better connect with veterans and their spouses,” Frye said. “There are many services and programs dedicated to military families, and this will help us identify those who may not be aware of what resources are available. The military is a family, and we want to make sure all of the members of that family are taken care of.”
According to Frye, only veterans themselves are currently able to indicate their service on their IDs.
After being approved by the General Assembly, the bill could be signed into law by the governor.
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State Rep. Frye (R-Greensburg) represents House District 67, which includes Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties, as well as portions of Decatur, Jennings, Jefferson and Dearborn counties.
A high-resolution photo of Frye can be downloaded by clicking here.
