INDIANA – Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed Indiana House Bill 1021 into law. The new law will go into effect in July.
An Amber Alert means a child (under the age of 18) is missing and believed to have been abducted and is in danger of severe bodily harm or death.
A Silver Alert has been created to let the public know that an elderly, developmentally, or cognitively impaired person has gone missing and is determined to be at risk.
In 2024, a Green Alert will be instituted in Indiana, indicating that a veteran is missing and is at risk.
The Green Alert will notify the public that a veteran or military service member is reported missing and believed to be at risk of being hurt or hurting themselves.
Indiana’s veteran suicide rate is higher than the national average. In 2021, nearly 140 Hoosier veterans died by suicide, and over 6,000 nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
A Green Alert will be issued for veterans, active service members, Indiana National Guard members, and reservists who are missing or at risk.
Having alert classifications helps first responders be better prepared to offer targeted support.
Rep. Mitch Gore authored House Bill 1021. It was co-authored by Rep. Renee Pack, Rep. Steve Bartels, Rep. Chris Jeter and sponsored by Sen. James Tomes, Sen. Michael Crider, Sen. Andrea Hunley, Sen. John Crane, Sen. Rodney Pol, Sen. Vaneta Becker, Sen. James Buck, Sen. Blake Doriot, Sen. Lonnie Randolph.
House Bill 1021 defines “veteran at risk.” Creates the green alert program to provide public notification regarding missing veterans at risk. Changes the name of the Indiana Clearinghouse for information on missing children and missing endangered adults to the Indiana Clearinghouse for information on missing children, missing veterans at risk, and missing endangered adults (clearinghouse). Makes conforming changes to the duties of the clearinghouse. Creates specific duties and reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies concerning missing veterans at risk. Provides immunity for a broadcaster who broadcasts, an electronic billboard operator who displays a green alert notification, and a person who establishes or maintains a green alert website under an agreement with the state police department. Makes technical corrections.
