As used in this chapter, "public employer" means any of the following that employ an individual to serve as a law enforcement officer:

1. (1) The state or a state agency, including a state educational institution.
2. (2) A county, city, or town.
3. (3) A school corporation or governing board of a charter school.
4. (4) An airport authority.

5. (5) A hospital licensed under IC 16-21-2 or health system that is:

   1. (A) a unit of state or local government; or
   2. (B) owned or operated by a unit of state or local government.

As added by P.L.20-2025, SEC.1.