Morris: Veterans discrimination bill signed into law

Wednesday, April 30, 2014 7:00 pm

Start Date:  4/30/2014  Start Time:  8:00 AM
End Date:  4/30/2014  End Time:  8:00 AM
STATEHOUSE – House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1242, co-authored by State Representative Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne), was signed into law. Rep. Morris attended the bill signing ceremony on Tuesday at the 122nd Fighter Wing base in Fort Wayne. 

HEA 1242 makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against a potential employee because they are a veteran of the Armed Forces or a member of the Indiana National Guard or reserve component. Under current law, veteran status is not included in Indiana’s anti-discrimination statute, which lists specific characteristics that an employer may not use to discriminate against a potential employee. 

“Hoosier veterans sacrifice a great deal for our state and country,” said Rep. Morris. “It was a privilege to work on legislation that will protect them from employment discrimination.”

The law makes the Indiana Civil Rights Commission responsible for enforcing any alleged violations of the practice. The Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs would be in control of educating veterans about this law. 

“It is unfortunate that veterans can be discriminated against based on their service to our country,” said Rep. Morris. “By adding these incredible, selfless veterans to our anti-discrimination statute, we can help fight veteran unemployment and work to ensure that they are never subject to discriminatory hiring practices.” 

To track other legislation being signed into law, visit http://www.in.gov/gov/2014billwatch.htm.

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Rep. Morris represents portions of Allen County.