Protecting our military: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act heads to governor

INDIANAPOLIS – Legislation co-authored by State Representative Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) that supplements the federal protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is heading to Governor Mike Pence for final approval.

Members of the Indiana House concurred Tuesday with changes made in the Senate to House Bill 1456. The bill aims to protect military service members from financial penalties resulting from breaking leases, outstanding credit card debt and evictions. Military members would also be exempt from paying early termination fees for cancelling contracts such as internet, television and satellite radio services.

“Deployed Hoosiers can experience not only mental hardships, but also financial struggles due to extended time away from their regular employment,” Moseley said.

“While fighting for the freedom of all U.S. citizens, military members should stay focused on family members and comrades, not Wi-Fi bills and Netflix memberships. They simply shouldn’t have to worry about being penalized for breaking service contracts they are unable to access while overseas.

“This legislation will protect the financial stability of our service members and their families when they return home from combat,” he added.

There are nearly 500,000 veterans living in Indiana. Several states, including our neighbors Illinois and Kentucky, have already passed similar forms of the SCRA.