Lawmakers back tighter rules on Indiana veterans fund grants

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A bill aimed at tightening management of an Indiana grant program for struggling military veterans has been approved by the Indiana House following news reports that a state agency awarded grants to its own employees.

House members voted 95-0 Monday in favor of the proposal, which would shift the decision on whether to award grants to Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs employees from agency officials to an independently appointed commission. The commission would also consider any appeals for grants over the lifetime cap of $2,500.

The state agency's leader resigned in December after The Indianapolis Star and WRTV-TV questioned its administration of the Military Family Relief Fund, which is supported by fees from specialty veteran license plates.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.