HB 1517 - DIGEST

Creates the office of national guard ombudsman in the office of the governor for the purpose of helping national guard members and their dependents obtain needed services to ensure an economic and healthy quality of life in the community. The focus of the office is to assist men and women serving in the national guard who are currently serving abroad with families remaining at home, as well as those who are returning home, and the special needs that they might have, including mental health and counseling services, marriage support, health care issues, pension and salary issues, and job issues.

Requires the ombudsman to report directly to the governor and shall exercise his or her powers and duties independently of the director of the department of veterans affairs.