STATEHOUSE (June 27, 2024) – As summer kicks off in Indiana, local lawmakers want Hoosiers to know about a wide range of new state laws taking effect July 1.
State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session take 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. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) said lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like cracking down on misleading political ads. Political advertisements created with artificial intelligence or AI can mislead voters by altering a candidate's appearance, conduct or speech. To protect election integrity, a disclaimer will be required on these ads when a candidate's image, audio or video is altered without the person's consent.
"With important upcoming elections and the rise of artificial intelligence, more and more Hoosiers are susceptible to misinformation and mistrust spread by fabricated political ads," said Olthoff, who authored the new law. "Requiring a disclaimer on AI- generated political ads will promote transparency and notify voters of fake content not authorized by the candidate."
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
Curbing Surprise Ambulance Bills
More Hoosiers will soon be protected from surprise bills from out-of-network ambulance providers. Health insurance companies will be required to reimburse ambulance providers regardless of whether the provider was in- or out-of-network. Copays and deductible payments for out-of-network services will also be capped at in-network rates.
Increasing Indiana's Teacher Pipeline
Hoosiers who want to make a career switch and go into teaching can apply for Transition to Teaching Scholarships. To be eligible for a one-time, non-renewable scholarship of up to $10,000, applicants pursuing a transition to teaching certification must have a bachelor's degree, agree to obtain an initial practitioner license and teach in Indiana for at least five years.
"Not everyone discovers their passion before starting their careers," said State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville). "With transition to teaching scholarships now available, Hoosiers who want to make the switch to teaching will have an easier time paying for their education and entering this rewarding field."
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. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes a portion of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
