1. (a) Notwithstanding any contrary law, an appointing authority shall waive any age restriction for a person not more than forty (40) years and six (6) months of age that applies to the appointment and hiring of an individual as:

   1. (1) a member of the police department; or

   2. (2) a member of the fire department;

      if the individual meets the requirements of subsection (b).

2. (b) An individual who meets all the following requirements is entitled to the waiver described in subsection (a):

   1. (1) On the date the individual applies to be appointed and hired as:

      1. (A) a member of the police department; or

      2. (B) a member of the fire department;

         the individual is a veteran who has completed at least twenty (20) years of military service.

   2. (2) The individual received or is eligible to receive a discharge from the armed forces of the United States under conditions other than conditions set forth in IC 10-17-12-8.1 (2).

   3. (3) The individual meets all other requirements for appointment and hiring as:

      1. (A) a member of the police department; or

      2. (B) a member of the fire department;

         including all physical requirements.

3. (c) An individual who is entitled to the waiver described in subsection (a) is eligible to become a member of the 1977 fund.

As added by P.L.115-2016, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.238-2025, SEC.94; P.L.94-2026, SEC.88.