STATEHOUSE (July 13, 2023) – New state laws supporting Hoosiers and backed by local lawmakers during the 2023 legislative session are now in effect.
"We kept our focus on Hoosiers' priorities like keeping taxes low, and supporting our children and military," said State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus). "Our state's economy continues to run strong and we were able to cut taxes and make investments in the future while maintaining our commitment to fiscal responsibility."
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. Lauer said 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, parents will no longer pay textbook and curricular fees.
"Families, especially with multiple children, will receive much-needed relief as textbook and curricular fees can add up quickly," said State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville). "Inflation continues to affect everyday Hoosiers and I'll continue to support ways to ensure they keep more of their hard-earned money."
"During the legislative session it was critical that we built on efforts to provide additional tax relief and I'm happy to say that we delivered," said State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour). "It's also exciting to know that through a significant expansion of Indiana's Choice Scholarships this year, the vast majority of families will have the opportunity to send their child to the best school that meets their needs."
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
Honoring Active-Duty Military
To honor members of the armed services, Lucas said active-duty military will receive a complete income tax exemption starting next year. 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.
Increasing Mental Health Treatment
Lauer said law enforcement will have the ability to refer low-riskndividuals suffering from a mental illness, or impairment from drugs and alcohol to the nearest mental health facility instead of the county jail. Individuals will not be turned away due to an inability to pay for services. Local mental health and addiction referral programs will also be available to help those who are incarcerated get treatment.
Fighting Drug Abuse
Xylazine, also known as "tranq," is an animal sedative linked to an increasing number of drug overdose deaths in Indiana. Meltzer, author of the legislation, said coroners will test for this substance in any confirmed or suspected overdose deaths, giving the state valuable data to begin taking action to help Hoosiers struggling with addiction.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws now in effect.
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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.
