Indiana National Guard members called to duty by the governor for longer than 30 days would be protected from losing their jobs under a bill the Senate endorsed Tuesday.\nThe bill would extend protections of the federal Soldiers' and Sailors' Ci vil Relief Act and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act to Guard members activated by the governor.\nThe protection already is afforded to Guard members called to duty by the federal government.\nThe Senate voted 50-0 to agree with a change the House made to the bill, which makes it effective back to Jan. 1. The bill next goes to the governor for his signature.\nGovernors commonly summon the National Guard to assist with cleanup after natural disasters such as tornadoes or floods. Guard troops also have been used to provide extra security at airports and other sites in need of special protection from terrorist attacks.\nSupporters say the bill would ensure Guard members can return to their jobs, either with the government or in the private sector, and receive immediate reinstatement of health benefits.
House approves bill for\nfirework injuries
The House on Tuesday approved a bill that would require hospitals and doctors to report fireworks-related injuries to the Indiana Department of Health.\nThe bill by Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, would require the injury be reported to the State Health Data Center within five business days. The information would remain confidential.\n"We need to start gathering some data on how many people are involved in the carnage of fireworks," Brown said.\nThe bill also would require the state health department to compile the information collected and submit a report to the legislative council by Dec. 31, 2004.\nThe House approved Senate changes to the bill on a 66-25 vote. It now goes to the governor for his signature.
