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. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session took effect July 1, including expanding work-based learning. More Hoosier high school students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account to pursue internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities. The $5,000 scholarship covers certain expenses like training, career coaching, driver's education, certification and credentialing exams. Visit in.gov/tos/csa or call 317-232-0723 for more information.
"There are so many high-demand career paths available that don't require a college degree," Karickhoff said. "This new law will give more high school students opportunities to explore careers, skill up and earn certifications that can help them after graduation."
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) said lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like 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.
"Our retired public employees dedicated their careers to making Indiana a great place to live, work and call home," said VanNatter, who co-authored the new law. "Whether you're buying groceries or paying your electric bill, inflation is affecting everyone, and this 13th check will help our retirees stretch their dollars further."
Karickhoff and VanNatter also highlighted the following new laws:
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.
Increasing Child Care Access
More low-income Hoosier parents will be eligible to access safe and affordable child care that best fits their needs. Full-time child care workers and those training to enter the field will be eligible for help to cover the costs of care for their children or enroll their 4-year-old in a high-quality, pre-K program.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.
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State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes all of Carroll and Tipton counties, and
portions of Cass, Clinton, Howard and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
