STATEHOUSE (July 2, 2024) – As summer kicks off in Indiana, local lawmakers want Hoosiers to know about a wide range of new state laws that took effect this week.
State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session took effect July 1, including expanding work-based learning, which he co-authored. More Hoosier high school students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account to pursue internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities. The $5,000 scholarship covers certain expenses like training, career coaching, driver's education, certification and credentialing exams. Visit in.gov/tos/csa or call 317-232-0723 for more information.
"Work-based learning offers students valuable hands-on experience, enhancing their readiness for the workforce," Carbaugh said. "Many high-paying, in-demand jobs do not require a college degree but do require some form of training beyond high school. It's great to see this scholarship expanded so that more young Hoosiers can build on their skills and earn credentials before graduation."
State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) said lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like protecting Hoosier farmland. To help protect Indiana's farmland and food supply chain, individuals or entities associated with foreign adversaries like Russia and China will be banned from purchasing or leasing agricultural land, and mineral, water or riparian rights. China, Russia, North Korea and Iran will also be prevented from purchasing or leasing land within a 10-mile radius of military installations.
"It's a growing national concern that our country's foreign adversaries are buying up critical land," Judy said. "That's why we took strong steps to protect Indiana's farmland from bad actors and support generations of farm families within our district and statewide."
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
To help protect Indiana's elections, officials will have more tools to maintain accurate and up-to-date voter registration lists. Also, proof of citizenship will be required for individuals registering with temporary IDs and first-time voters will be required to provide proof of residency.
Boosting Indiana's Teacher Pipeline
State Rep. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) authored legislation to allow Hoosiers who want to make a career switch and go into teaching to apply for Transition to Teaching Scholarships. To be eligible for a one-time, non-renewable scholarship of up to $10,000, applicants pursuing a transition to teaching certification must have a bachelor's degree, agree to obtain an initial practitioner license and teach in Indiana for at least five years.
"Indiana relies on high-quality educators to help students be successful inside and outside the classroom," Heine said. "Authoring this legislation to provide assistance for more professionals to make that switch to teaching was a no-brainer, and having more educators will benefit all communities."
"These new laws are a result of listening to what matters most to Hoosiers and local communities," said State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne). "Whether it was boosting the teacher pipeline, protecting Indiana farmland or increasing election security, we addressed a wide range of issues, and I look forward to seeing the benefits."
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.
-30-
State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 81, which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 85, which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 83,
which includes portions of Allen and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 84, which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
