STATEHOUSE (June 27, 2024) – As summer kicks off in Indiana, State Reps. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica) want Hoosiers to know about a wide range of new state laws taking effect July 1.
Aylesworth said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session take effect July 1, including stepping up for public retirees. Indiana's nearly 90,000 retired public servants like law enforcement and teachers will receive a 13th check to help cover cost-of-living expenses. Existing, dedicated funds will be used to make a one-time, post-retirement payment, which will average about $360 per recipient.
"With so many retirees struggling to keep up with high inflation and rising costs, a 13th check can provide some relief for Indiana's retired public employees," said Aylesworth, who co-authored the new law. "This one-time payment will help thousands of Hoosiers narrow their cost-of-living gap."
Lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like preventing breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, women with dense breast tissue can be at higher risk for breast cancer and it can be harder to detect. To spread awareness, women with dense breast tissue will be informed of their breast density after a mammogram and receive documentation with more information.
"Creating awareness and opportunities for Hoosier women to learn about their breast tissue can save lives," said Negele, who authored the new law. "Early detection is key to tackling breast cancer and with more women learning their tissue type and the associated risks, Indiana is ensuring they have the information they need when considering options for screenings and prevention."
Aylesworth and Negele also highlighted the following new laws:
Boosting Student Reading Proficiency
Currently, 1 in 5 Hoosier third graders struggle to read. Data shows that individuals with low literacy earn less money, have poorer health and go to prison at higher rates than their peers. To improve reading rates, the state will strengthen its remediation efforts and offer more targeted classroom support starting in second grade. Schools will also be required to offer summer courses to help with reading beginning this year.
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.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.
-30-
State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica) represents House District 13,
which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of
Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
