STATEHOUSE (July 6, 2023) – New state laws supporting Hoosiers and backed by local lawmakers during the 2023 legislative session are now in effect.
“This session, I supported legislation that prioritized taxpayers and Hoosier families, including accelerating cuts to Indiana's individual income tax rate," said State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown). "While other states operate in the red, Indiana remains in a strong fiscal position to keep our state’s economy moving forward in the right direction."
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. 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.
"As liberal policies at the national level continue to fail Americans, Indiana remains focused on supporting Hoosiers and Hoosier priorities, like keeping taxes low, and empowering students and families," said State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City). "Our state budget is balanced with no gimmicks, saves for a rainy day and makes investments that will deliver results for years to come."
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
Providing Tax Relief for Homeowners
Property tax dollars are collected and spent locally, and help pay for schools, police and fire protection, and other local government services. To help counter the rise in local property tax bills, the state took actions to provide about $100 million in property tax relief for homeowners beginning next year. Hoosiers can expect a temporary increase to the supplemental homestead tax deduction and additional limits on property tax levy growth.
"We worked hard this session to provide much-needed relief to Hoosiers whose local property tax bills were higher than expected," said State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond). "Homeowners will start feeling the results next year and I look forward to continuing to work on this complex topic."
Increasing High School Relevancy
To boost the number of career-ready students, those in grades 10-12 can soon use Career Scholarship Accounts to pay for career training or industry-recognized certification while in high school. Additionally, the state will review graduation requirements to better accommodate work-based learning experiences. Public high schools will host annual career fairs to encourage connections between students and employers.
Protecting Hoosier Farmland
Indiana will take inventory of all the prime farmland lost in the state over the last 12 years and identify the causes of those losses. Prescott, who also owns a family farm, said a new Land Use Task Force will utilize the information and make recommendations for how to better protect farmland while encouraging economic development.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws now in effect.
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State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Henry, Rush, Hancock and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes all of Wayne County and a portion of Henry County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33,
which includes all of Blackford and Randolph counties, and portions of Delaware, Henry and Jay counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
