LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
200 W. Washington St., Suite 301
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 233-0696
iga.in.gov
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 6658 NOTE PREPARED: Dec 19, 2019
BILL NUMBER: HB 1187 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: Veteran Service Officers.
FIRST AUTHOR: Rep. Bartels BILL STATUS: As Introduced
FIRST SPONSOR:
FUNDS AFFECTED: X GENERAL IMPACT: State & Local
DEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: This bill specifies that a county or city service officer hired after June 30, 2020,
must be accredited by the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO) at the time
the individual is hired.
Effective Date: July 1, 2020.
Explanation of State Expenditures: This bill does not require the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs
(IDVA) to coordinate, host or conduct training. However, the IDVA currently conducts an annual training
for County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs). If IDVA is made responsible for continuing education, it
would likely constitute a small increase in workload. If IDVA facilitates a contracted course of initial
training, it would constitute a significant workload increase as well as a potential expenditure.
Explanation of State Revenues:
Explanation of Local Expenditures: Initial Training–A CVSO or CVSO candidate must complete a 36-
hour in-person course in order to be accredited by the NACVSO. This course is taught at the annual
NACVSO conference, which is held in a different city each year, as well as at various sites hosted by sponsor
organizations which contract with NACVSO. Costs associated with attending training will vary according
to travel, accommodations, and registration fees; and may be up to $2,500 per participant.
Membership–Because it is a requirement for continued employment, counties may cover the annual cost of
membership in the NACVSO. The cost of membership is $50 because Indiana is a member state. A person
must become a member before they are eligible to attend training.
HB 1187 1
Continuing Education–NACVSO requires 16 hours of continuing education annually in order to maintain
accreditation. This training must comply with updated training guidance issued by the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs and can be completed at the annual conference or conducted by the state CVSO association
or the IDVA. Current law requires IDVA to annually train and certify CVSOs, so it is likely that these
requirements could be coordinated and that costs of annual training would be similar to the costs associated
with meeting current IDVA requirements.
Additional Information–Total costs to attend the NACVSO conference will vary, but may be up to $2,500
per participant. A contract course can be hosted either by the state CVSO association or by an entity of state
or local government and can be taught at any facility with the necessary classroom space. Costs include a
flat $1,500 (association) or $2,500 (government) course fee as well as travel, lodging, and per diem for 3
instructors. Host organizations must also print coursebooks for each student. Total costs are typically under
$10,000 per contracted course and the coordinating organization may charge a fee to attendees to defray
some or all of these costs. NACVSO does not cap the number of students in a given course, though it may
require additional instructors for classes in excess of 150 participants.
Explanation of Local Revenues:
State Agencies Affected: Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
Local Agencies Affected: Counties, cities with Veteran Service Officers.
Information Sources: Robert Ward, NACVSO; Mike Aichele, IDVA.
Fiscal Analyst: Alexander Raggio, 317-234-9485.
HB 1187 2


Statutes affected:
1. Introduced House Bill (H): 10-17-1-10