STATEHOUSE (July 8, 2022) – Local lawmakers said Hoosiers should be aware of several new and notable state laws, which are now in effect.
"This session, I supported several new laws with Hoosier families top of mind," said State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury). "As a result of concerns from parents and female athletes, we took action to ensure biological boys can't compete in K-12 girls' sports, which ensures a level playing field for all. I also authored legislation to support pregnant women who may be forced into an abortion by making coercion a felony crime. We also made sure these women get access to key support services. My goal is to build on these efforts moving forward."
"We passed historic tax cuts during the legislative session, because the state's economy is strong and I'm here to do what's right by taxpayers," said State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart). "Our goal is to put the state of Indiana and its citizens in the best position possible to succeed."
Hoosiers should be aware of several new laws, which were passed during the 2022 legislative session and took effect on July 1:
Putting Taxpayers First
Hoosiers could save over $1 billion annually through a new tax-cut package that will reduce the individual income tax rate to 2.9% over time, and eliminate the Utility Receipts Tax, saving residents $200 million a year on utility bills. Additionally, taxpayers are receiving $545 million via automatic taxpayer refunds this year.
Protecting Pregnant Women
Indiana will join 18 other states that provide protections to women and their unborn babies from coerced abortions. A person who coerces a pregnant woman to terminate their pregnancy could be charged with a felony, and abortion clinics will be held accountable if they fail to report coercion to law enforcement.
Increasing Election Security
Indiana will double its number of election audits after each general election. All Indiana electronic voting machines will be required to be equipped with a voter-verifiable paper audit trail by the 2024 election. Every voter will be able to verify their ballot on a printout before casting their vote. This step will offer assurances that electronically recorded votes are accurate.
"Election security is a top priority and with this new law, we can protect the integrity of the process and maintain voter confidence," said State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola), chair of the House Committee on Elections and Apportionment. "There are so many people working behind the scenes to make sure our elections are fair and reflect the will of voters. With these additional safeguards, we can continue to cast our ballots with the certainty that our votes count."
Protecting Girls' Sports
Biological males will not be able to participate on girls' K-12 sports teams at public schools in Indiana. While the governor vetoed the measure, the majority of lawmakers supported a veto override in May to protect fairness and integrity in girls' sports.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.
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State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes the eastern portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,
which includes portions of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
