When a Department of Corrections employee dies while still employed with the department, retires from service with at least twenty (20) years of service, or retires due to an injury obtained in the line of duty, in recognition of and appreciation for the service of the retiring or deceased employee, the Director of the Division of Correction, the Director of the Division of Community Correction, the Board of Corrections, or the Secretary of the Department of Corrections may award the service weapon carried by the employee at the time of his or her retirement from service or death to:(1) The employee;(2) The employee's spouse if the spouse is eligible under applicable state and federal laws to possess a firearm; or(3)(A) The surviving child of the employee if there is no surviving spouse and the surviving child is eligible under applicable state and federal laws to possess a firearm.(B)(i) If there is more than one (1) surviving child of the employee, the service weapon may be awarded to the oldest surviving child if he or she is eligible under applicable state and federal laws to possess a firearm.(ii) If the oldest of the surviving children is not eligible to possess a firearm

d to the oldest surviving child if he or she is eligible under applicable state and federal laws to possess a firearm.(ii) If the oldest of the surviving children is not eligible to possess a firearm under applicable state and federal laws, then the service weapon may be awarded to the next-oldest surviving child if he or she is eligible to possess a firearm under applicable state and federal laws.Amended by Act 2021, No. 329,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.Amended by Act 2019, No. 106,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 764, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2011, No. 181, § 1.