STATEHOUSE (July 13, 2021) – From historic education funding to supporting public safety officers and local businesses, Johnson County legislators said Hoosiers should be aware of several new state laws effective July 1.
"This year's legislative session was productive in boosting funding for our schools and improving broadband access for rural areas," said State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford). "We also ensured Hoosiers' freedom to worship in-person cannot be hindered in any future public emergencies."
May and State Reps. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) and John Young (R-Franklin) highlighted several new and notable laws impacting Johnson 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.
Investing In Students, Teachers
According to Davis, the state's biennial budget invests a historic $1.9 billion in K-12 education, including $600 million annually to increase teacher pay. She said schools are encouraged to set minimum starting teacher salaries at $40,000 and required to direct 45% of state funding to teacher pay.
"Many of our area schools are already meeting these benchmarks when it comes to teacher salaries," said Davis, member of the House Education Committee. "As schools across the state increase teacher pay, I am hopeful our local teachers will also see a raise."
House Enrolled Act 1384 requires middle school students to complete a semester-long civics education course. Davis 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.
Helping Small Businesses
To support employers and jobs, Young sponsored Senate Enrolled Act 1 and co-authored House Enrolled Act 1002 to extend 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. Learn more at backontrack.in.gov.
"Our local communities rely on small businesses for jobs, services and products, and we look to them to sponsor local events and drive our economy," Young said. "Now that Hoosiers have returned to their pre-pandemic way of life, it is critical small business have resources to remain open and can operate without fear of costly civil lawsuits after taking every precaution necessary to keep employees and customers safe."
Protecting Individual Rights
Senate Enrolled Act 263 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.
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. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) represents House District 58,
which includes a portion of Johnson County.
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.
State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin) represents House District 47,
which includes portions of Johnson and Morgan counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
