STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2024) – Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday ceremonially signed into law legislation co-authored by State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) to launch a new public notification for missing and at-risk veterans. Additionally, the governor also ceremonially signed a law that Bartels sponsored to create and distribute veterans benefits and services posters for display in Hoosier businesses.
Bartels, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee and a veteran, said the law establishes a new public notification like Indiana's Amber Alert and Silver Alert to help first responders locate missing and at-risk veterans and military members.
"The Green Alert is an additional l safety net for current and former military members who are reported missing and may be a danger to themselves or others," Bartels said. "Our veterans have served Hoosiers and their country in tremendous ways, and this is another way to get them help. This bipartisan bill is another example of government working together."
The Indiana State Police can issue a Green Alert for veterans, active service members, Indiana National Guard members and reservists within 48 hours of the individual being reported missing. Like other alerts, the notification will include a description and last-known location of the individual, and if they are considered at-risk to themselves or others.
The Indiana Department of Labor and the Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs will create and distribute posters to be placed in workplaces of more than 50 full-time employees detailing veterans' benefits and services. The posters will display information such as tax credits, exemptions, refunds, and substance abuse and mental health treatment.
For more information on House Enrolled Act 1021 and Senate Enrolled Act 15, visit iga.in.gov.
For 24/7, confidential crisis support, veterans or their loved ones can dial 988 then press one or send a text to 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Callers do not have to be enrolled in Veteran Affairs benefits or health care to connect. Hoosiers can also visit veteranscrisisline.net and join a chat with a VA responder.
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State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74,
which includes all of Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties, and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.
Click here for a high resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Eric Holcomb ceremonially signs State Sen. Jim Tomes (R-Wadesville) law enabling the creation and distribution of veterans benefits and services posters for display in Indiana businesses on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Bill sponsors State Reps. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis) (standing, left) and Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) (seated, left) joined Holcomb (seated, center) and Tomes (seated, right) along with bill co-author State Sen. David Niezgodski (D-South Bend) (standing, far right).
