House supports Baird effort to make USS Indiana sailors honorary residents

INDIANAPOLIS -- The House of Representatives voted Monday in support of a proposal by State Rep. Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) that would ensure sailors who serve on the USS Indiana (SSN-789) are eligible for in-state tuition rates by making them honorary residents.

State Rep. Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) presents House Bill 1242, which would ensure sailors who serve on the USS Indiana (SSN-789) are eligible for in-state tuition rates.

The USS Indiana (SSN-789) is a United States Navy Virginia-class attack submarine that was christened in April. It will be commissioned into service later this year.

Most fast-attack submarines, like the USS Indiana, have a crew size of about 130 individuals who are from all over the United States.

"We want to make those sailors who serve on our namesake submarine honorary Hoosiers," Rep. Baird said. "Once these young men and women have served for 180 days on the USS Indiana, they would be eligible for in-state tuition rates when attending state colleges or universities."

The sailors would have 12 years from the beginning of his or her coursework to complete a degree at the in-state rate.

Baird said this bill does not make these honorary citizens eligible for state student assistance.

Baird's bill now moves to the State Senate for further consideration.

To learn more about House Bill 1242 and other bills, visit iga.in.gov.

Rep. Baird represents House District 44, which includes all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties.