STATEHOUSE (July 2, 2024) – As summer kicks off in Indiana, local lawmakers want Hoosiers to know about a wide range of new state laws that took effect this week.
State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session took effect July 1, including stepping up for public retirees. Indiana's nearly 90,000 retired public servants like law enforcement and teachers will receive a 13th check to help cover cost-of-living expenses. Existing, dedicated funds will be used to make a one-time, post-retirement payment, which will average about $360 per recipient.
"With so many retirees struggling to keep up with high inflation and rising costs, a 13th check can provide some relief for Indiana's retired public employees," said Aylesworth, who co-authored the new law. "This one-time payment will help thousands of Hoosiers narrow their cost-of-living gap."
State Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica) said lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like preventing breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, women with dense breast tissue can be at higher risk for breast cancer and it can be harder to detect. To spread awareness, women with dense breast tissue will be informed of their breast density after a mammogram and receive documentation with more information.
"Creating awareness and opportunities for Hoosier women to learn about their breast tissue can save lives," said Negele, who authored the new law. "Early detection is key to tackling breast cancer and with more women learning their tissue type and the associated risks, Indiana is ensuring they have the information they need when considering options for screenings and prevention."
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
Boosting Student Reading Proficiency
Currently, 1 in 5 Hoosier third graders struggle to read. Data shows that individuals with low literacy earn less money, have poorer health and go to prison at higher rates than their peers. To improve reading rates, the state will strengthen its remediation efforts and offer more targeted classroom support starting in second grade. Schools will also be required to offer summer courses to help with reading beginning this year.
Protecting Hoosier Farmland
To help protect Indiana's farmland and food supply chain, individuals or entities associated with foreign adversaries like Russia and China will be banned from purchasing or leasing agricultural land, and mineral, water or riparian rights. China, Russia, North Korea and Iran will also be prevented from purchasing or leasing land within a 10-mile radius of military installations.
"With agriculture being a major revenue source for the state of Indiana, it is important we make sure our valuable land is not getting in the wrong hands," said State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer), who authored the new law. "Preventing foreign adversaries from purchasing our farmland is just another step Indiana is taking to ensure our food security."
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.
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State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica) represents House District 13,
which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of
Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
