New Indiana laws kick in on July 1

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Hoosier laws went into place July 1 protecting teachers, consumers and home buyers.

Several new laws specifically affect our men and women in the military. Now, Purple Heart recipients can attend state colleges and universities without paying tuition and fees.

Also, the Military Family Leave Act is extended to children of soldiers, allowing for unpaid leaves of absence from their jobs.

Soldiers can now cast election ballots via email.

"No matter who you are in the military, we finally have been seen here in Indiana," said 1st Sgt. Michael Taylor of the United States Marine Corps. "I hope that the other states will start to get involved with it."

As the state moves to protect its soldiers, another law in place today protects senior citizens. It's called Silver Alert. Similar to an Amber Alert, this allows for state-wide alerts when an adult goes missing.

The law is meant for anyone over 18, but experts say it's extremely important for elderly folks and those with dementia.

"There are many residents that live alone that may wander off on their own or definitely get in a car on their own and not be able to find their way back," said Westminster Village's Jocelyn Mikucki.

These are just a few of the new laws in Indiana. Click here to view the rest.