STATEHOUSE (July 12, 2022) – Local lawmakers said Hoosiers should be aware of several new and notable state laws, which are now in effect.
"This session, we focused on important legislation to support Hoosier taxpayers, increase election security and protect our farmland," said State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston). "As my retirement from the General Assembly is approaching, I'm proud of the work we were able to accomplish in my final year."
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.
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.
"All Hoosiers should have confidence that our elections are fair and that their vote counts," said State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo). "This new law focuses on increasing election security by adding paper audit trails and bolstering the verification process for an absentee ballot."
Protecting Indiana Farmland
Studies show foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land has doubled from 2009 to 2019. Russians and Russian-controlled businesses will be banned from acquiring any land or real estate in the state for a year. Also, foreign entities will not be able to acquire agricultural land for farming or timber production.
"There have been instances where foreign investors buy large amounts of farmland across the country, and we want to protect our Hoosier farmers and our valuable ground," said State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport). "Indiana is one of the top states when it comes to agricultural production, and this new law will help keep it that way. I'm also looking forward to discussing and exploring an extension to the one year prohibition in the future."
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.
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State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) represents House District 25, which
includes portions of Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) represents House District 23,
which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes portions of Carroll, Cass, Howard and Clinton counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
