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MARQUETTE -- The State of Michigan is stepping up to protect some of its most vulnerable residents:  senior citizens.

As of Tuesday, ten new laws, signed off by Governor Snyder, will help protect the elderly to everything from money scams all the way to signature fraud.

Governor Snyder issued a statement saying:  "The abuse of senior citizens and vulnerable adults is one of the fastest-growing crimes in our state, and law enforcement agencies will now have better tools to help protect potential victims from financial and physical abuses."

"Now that we've got some laws, by signing those laws, the Governor has given more teeth to the situation, where those criminals can be prosecuted. They are criminals. They don't need to be slapped on the hands. They need to be prosecuted," said Jerry Irby from the Michigan Office of Aging Services.

One of the laws passed could greatly impact seniors who go missing. It's a public notification system, much like an Amber Alert, for missing senior citizens.

Many law enforcement agencies already use a similar system, but now, it's state law.

"I think it could be really helpful. We have had issues where seniors have wandered off in the county. There's a very good system set up for protecting children, and we'd like to see those same protections for our seniors, too, because a lot of them are very, very vulnerable," said Lori Stephens-Brown from the Alger-Marquette Community Action Board.

Another part of the law package aims to better reporting requirements for abuse and neglect in senior care facilities.

To view the laws, click here.