INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 1, 2016) – The House of Representatives unanimously passed State Rep. Bob Morris’ (R-Fort Wayne) proposal to increase the amount of veterans employed as public safety officers in Indiana.
House Bill 1359 would allow veterans who pass certain requirements, like the physical agility test and the aptitude test, to apply to become a police officer or firefighter, regardless of their age.
“Men and women who enter the military at the age of 18 could retire or be discharged after the age of 36, which is the cut off age to apply to be a police officer or firefighter,” Morris said. “Under my legislation, the maximum hiring age would be increased to 40 and a half years old for able-bodied Hoosier veterans.”
Currently, veterans who leave the military after age 36 are unable to apply to be a public safety officer. Morris said his bill would open employment options for those who have served.
Morris said these men and women who are trained and have experience from the military can now transfer their skills into a public safety profession in municipalities across the state after they leave the military.
Morris’ bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
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Rep. Morris (R-Fort Wayne) represents portions of Allen County
