STATEHOUSE (July 1, 2021) – State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) said Hoosiers should be aware of several new state laws effective July 1, including the state budget and those supporting law enforcement, vulnerable newborns and individual rights.
"This session we worked hard to make sure we passed a financially responsible budget that invests in education, law enforcement and broadband," Lauer said. "We also expanded Indiana's Safe Haven Law to provide parents more options when considering the sanctity of life and the ability to place their newborn in the care of emergency responders."
Lauer highlighted several new and notable laws:
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 historic investments in K-12 education, broadband and economic development
Supporting Law Enforcement
Indiana directed $70 million to improve law enforcement training facilities and programs. Departments can apply for grants to purchase car and body-worn cameras. House Enrolled Act 1006, which Lauer co-authored, received bipartisan support and total backing from law enforcement to give police more tools to vet candidates and hire the best officers.
Saving Vulnerable Newborns
House Enrolled Act 1230, which Lauer authored, allows parents in crisis to call 911 and surrender their newborn to emergency medical service providers. Under Indiana's Safe Haven law, newborns less than 1 month old can be surrendered anonymously and without fear of arrest or prosecution.
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. The governor also signed Senate Enrolled Act 202 into law to require nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospitals to participate in state programs guaranteeing caretakers' access to their loved ones during public emergencies.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.
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State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59,
which includes portions of Bartholomew County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
