STATEHOUSE (July 8, 2021) – From historic education funding to supporting public safety officers, Hendricks County legislators said Hoosiers should be aware of several new state laws effective July 1.
State Reps. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis), Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) and Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) highlighted several new and notable laws impacting Hendricks County communities:
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 unprecedented investments in K-12 education, broadband and economic development.
According to Behning, the state's biennial budget invests a historic $1.9 billion in K-12 education, including $600 million annually to increase teacher pay. He said lawmakers also significantly expanded Indiana's Choice Scholarship program, empowering more families than ever before to send their child to schools that best meet their needs.
"This is a historic budget for Hoosier students, teachers and families," said Behning, chair of the House Education Committee. "Not only will schools across the state see unprecedented increases in funding, but more hardworking families will also have the freedom and flexibility to send their children to a school of their choice. No matter where students choose to attend school, Indiana continues to prioritize their needs."
Setting Students Up For Success
House Enrolled Act 1008 establishes a new, $150 million grant program to provide support for students who are at risk of falling behind or scored below academic standards because of disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Thompson co-authored House Enrolled Act 1384 requiring middle school students to complete a semester-long civics education course. He said while high school seniors in Indiana typically take a government class, this new law will help ensure students learn about their government and how to be engaged voters at an earlier age.
"Some students leave high school without important knowledge about their government and their civic responsibilities," said Thompson, a member of the House Education Committee. "Taking a civics class at an earlier age helps young Hoosiers develop a strong foundation as they prepare to lead our nation and support our democracy."
Supporting Law Enforcement
The state budget directs $70 million to improve law enforcement training facilities and programs. Departments can also apply for grants to purchase body-worn cameras. House Enrolled Act 1006, authored by Steuerwald and co-authored by Behning and Thompson, gives police more tools to vet candidates and hire the best officers.
House Enrolled Act 1558, authored by Steuerwald, creates the Central Indiana Crime Guns Task Force. Law enforcement in Central Indiana counties will team up to get violent criminals off the streets. The group will share information, use data-driven methods to link crime guns to unsolved cases and collaborate to apprehend suspects.
"Our hardworking police departments need new tools and resources to keep all Hoosiers safe," Steuerwald said. "These new laws will help public safety officers better serve our communities as they put their lives on the line every day to protect us."
Protecting Individual Rights
Senate Enrolled Act 263, sponsored by Steuerwald, defines religious gatherings as essential, and ensures the government cannot restrict the right to worship in-person during public emergencies. Other church services like food pantries, daycare or educational classes can also not be more restricted than other essential services. The governor also signed Senate Enrolled Act 202 into law to require nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospitals to participate in state programs guaranteeing caretakers' access to their loved ones during public emergencies.
Lawful Hoosier gun owners will no longer pay a fee to obtain a lifetime license to carry a handgun thanks to House Enrolled Act 1001. Hoosiers can visit IN.gov/ISP to apply for a free five-year or lifetime license, or renew current permits. The process to legally purchase a handgun remains the same.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.
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State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 91,
which includes portions of Hendricks and Marion counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) represents House District 40,
which includes a portion of Hendricks County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) represents House District 28,
which includes portions of Hendricks and Boone counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
