Two new laws sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison will make life a little bit easier for Illinois veterans.

The first allows veterans and active duty military personnel who have earned the Purple Heart to receive one free set of Purple Heart license plates. The measure also entitles eligible American heroes to purchase a second set of Purple Heart plates at regular price.

Congress awards Purple Heart Medals to military personnel who are injured in the line of duty.

“Providing free Purple Heart license plates is one more small way we can thank the veterans and military personnel who risk so much to keep our country safe and free,” Morrison said.

The second law encourages local law enforcement offices to train at least one staff member on the special needs of veterans.

Some veterans – especially individuals with service-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – face special challenges and might react unpredictably when they have encounters with law enforcement. A properly trained police officer can better assess the situation and work to direct resources to the veteran that both respect and respond to that person’s unique circumstances.