STATEHOUSE (July 6, 2021) – State Reps. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) and Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) said Hoosiers should be aware of several new state laws effective July 1, including the new state budget and those supporting law enforcement, small businesses, and students and teachers.
"When we came in for session, there was still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic," King said. "Despite the obstacles, we worked hard and remained focused on ensuring Hoosier across the state have new tools and vital resources to help them thrive and succeed."
"A majority of new laws passed with bipartisan support, and are a testament of what can be accomplished when we work together on behalf of all Hoosiers," Miller said. "From keeping our communities safe to providing additional resources for students who may have struggled this past year because of the impacts of the pandemic, these new state laws will only make Indiana stronger."
Several new and notable laws include:
Funding Hoosier Priorities
Indiana's next two-year, $37 billion state budget reduces taxpayer-funded debt by over $1 billion, and provides opportunities for future tax cuts and reforms. House Enrolled Act 1001 funds critical government services and proven programs while making historic investments in K-12 education, broadband and economic development.
Supporting Law Enforcement
House Enrolled Act 1006, co-authored by King and Miller, directs $70 million to improve law enforcement training facilities and programs. The law received bipartisan support and total backing from law enforcement to give police more tools to vet candidates and hire the best officers. Under the new state budget, departments can also apply for grants to purchase car and body-worn cameras.
Helping Small Businesses
Senate Enrolled Act 1 and House Enrolled Act 1002 support employers and jobs by extending civil liability protections related to COVID-19 to employers, schools and health care entities. House Enrolled Act 1004, effective since mid-April, allows local employers impacted by the pandemic to apply for a Small Business Restart Grant to pay for a portion of business and payroll-related expenses. Hoosier employers can learn more and apply at backontrack.in.gov.
Prioritizing Students, Teachers
K-12 education will receive a historic, $1.9 billion increase in funding over the next two years as part of Indiana's biennial state budget to support students and teacher pay raises. A new, $150 million grant program established in House Enrolled Act 1008 supports students who are at risk of falling behind or scored below academic standards because of disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.
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State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49, which includes the eastern portion of Elkhart County.
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State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48, which includes portions of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
