STATEHOUSE (June 27, 2024) – As summer kicks off in Indiana, local lawmakers want Hoosiers to know about a wide range of new state laws taking effect July 1.
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session take effect July 1, including honoring first responders. Indiana will recognize firefighters, emergency medical responders, law enforcement and other first responders who go above and beyond the call of duty through the creation of the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor. The award could also be presented to the families of first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice for our state.
"Whether it's one of Indiana's firefighters, law enforcement or other first responders, these Hoosiers put their lives on the line to help in an emergency," said Lucas, who authored the new law. "To honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, this award will serve as a way to help give these heroes the recognition they deserve."
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) said lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like helping 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
"Indiana relies on teachers, police officers and other public servants to provide critical services to all Hoosiers," said Meltzer, who co-authored the new law. "This 13th check is a way to help our public retirees cover some of the gaps in cost-of-living expenses, especially during a time of record-high inflation."
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
An animal tranquilizer called xylazine is being mixed with street drugs like heroin and fentanyl, which can cause dangerous side effects and lead to death. To help crack down on the drug's illicit use, a person in possession of xylazine without a prescription or caught dealing the drug could face criminal penalties. Xylazine can still be used for veterinary purposes.
A child can spend months or over a year in foster care until their child in need of services or CHINS case is resolved. To help reduce this time, the state will have concurrent plans in place that include another permanent or long-term care option for the child if family reunification isn't possible. This requirement will apply if the child has been removed from the parent for at least 12 of the last 22 months.
"CHINS proceedings can take a large amount of time, often leaving the child in foster care until the case is finally resolved," said Lauer, who authored the new law. "These prolonged cases can have long-lasting negative effects on these young Hoosiers, and through this new law we can help them find a loving home faster if reunification with their family isn't possible."
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.
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State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59,
which includes a portion of Bartholomew County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 73,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
