STATEHOUSE (July 14, 2023) – New state laws supporting Hoosiers and backed by local lawmakers during the 2023 legislative session are now in effect.
"It's important we continue providing a solid education for future generations," said State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty). "And with inflation cutting into everyone's budgets, the elimination of textbook and curricular fees will bring some needed financial relief for Hoosier families."
Most legislation passed during the recent session took effect at the beginning of the state's new fiscal year on July 1.
Under the state's newly passed state budget, taxpayers are expected to save an estimated $430 million over the next two years via tax relief passed during the legislative session. Thanks to the acceleration of individual state income tax cuts, hardworking Hoosiers will have one of the lowest rates in the nation by 2027. Indiana's K-12 spending makes up about half of the state's $44.6 billion budget, and lawmakers supported increasing student funding by 10% over the next two years. In addition, Bartels co-authored legislation that was included in the state budget to eliminate textbook and curricular fees for parents.
"This legislative session, we got a lot done for hardworking Hoosiers and our communities," said State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh). "From boosting mental health services to passing a fiscally responsible budget, these policies further support families and will help meet the needs of those we represent."
"Because of more than a decade of conservative budgeting, Indiana has the flexibility to provide relief to Hoosier taxpayers while covering essential services and investing in the future," said State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper). "Legislation is often the result of input from constituents, and these new laws will help better serve and support our communities."
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
Honoring Active-Duty Military
To honor members of the armed services, active-duty military will receive a complete income tax exemption starting next year. Lindauer said this tax relief could also attract more out-of-state service members and their families to call Indiana home, and help fill the workforce pipeline.
Improving Mental Health Services
To increase access and availability of quality care, Indiana will launch a new statewide infrastructure for mental health services through House Enrolled Act 1001, including expanding the number of behavioral health clinics. The 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline will expand through Senate Enrolled Act 1, which Bartels, Ledbetter and Lindauer co-sponsored, to ensure Hoosiers in crisis have someone to call, somewhere to go and someone to respond during an emergency.
Increasing High School Relevancy
Bartels said to boost the number of career-ready students, those in grades 10-12 can soon use Career Scholarship Accounts to pay for career training or industry-recognized certification while in high school. Additionally, the state will review graduation requirements to better accommodate work-based learning experiences. Public high schools will host annual career fairs to encourage connections between students and employers.
Protecting Hoosier Farmland
Ledbetter said Indiana will take inventory of all the prime farmland lost in the state over the last 12 years and identify the causes of those losses. A new Land Use Task Force will utilize the information and make recommendations for how to better protect farmland while encouraging economic development.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws now in effect.
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State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74,
which includes all of Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties, and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.
Click here for a high resolution photo.
State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) represents House District 75,
which includes portions of Gibson, Pike and Warrick counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) represents House District 63,
which includes all of Martin County, and portions of Daviess, Dubois and Pike counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
