STATEHOUSE (July 13, 2022) – Jackson County legislators said Hoosiers should be aware of several new and notable state laws, which are now in effect.
"Election security is always a top priority and it's critical to the success of our representative democracy," said State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour). "This past session we took meaningful action to further tighten security and ensure accuracy at the ballot box."
Hoosiers should be aware of several new laws, which were passed during the 2022 legislative session and took effect on July 1:
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.
Supporting Free Speech
Indiana public college and university students are able to express themselves across campuses by eliminating free speech zones. These zones are typically regulated and sectioned areas in remote locations, and infringe on the First Amendment right protecting speech in public areas.
Protecting Girls' Sports
Biological males will not be able to participate on girls' K-12 sports teams at public schools in Indiana. While the governor vetoed the measure, the majority of lawmakers supported a veto override in May to protect fairness and integrity in girls' sports.
"All athletes deserve to compete on an even playing field," said State Rep. J. Michael Davisson (R-Salem). "Biological males competing in girls' sports shatters the integrity of competition and would take away opportunities from deserving female players."
Judges will receive additional flexibility to send all felony offenders to Indiana state prisons, which could help alleviate jail overcrowding and allow locals to direct resources to where they matter most. Indiana’s Department of Correction offers more mental health and addiction treatment options while many jails do not.
"Many of our jails continue to see repeat, low-level offenders who need mental health and addiction services," said State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford), co-author of the new law. "Sending them to the state facilities where they can get the help they need can reduce recidivism rates, and free up local law enforcement to focus on keeping our communities safe."
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.
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State Rep. J. Michael Davisson (R-Salem) represents House District 73, which includes
Washington County, and portions of Jackson, Lawrence, Orange, Clark and Harrison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69, which includes
portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings and Jefferson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65, which includes all of
Brown County, most of Lawrence County and parts of Monroe, Jackson and Johnson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
