STATEHOUSE (July 3, 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. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) 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.
"The House and Senate worked hard during the short session to pass important legislation to help Hoosiers” Goss-Reaves said. "Listening to my constituents and empowering them with information is important to me as I represent House District 31 in the General Assembly.”
State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) 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.
"We stepped up for the men and women who worked incredibly hard for our state by providing them with some additional financial help, especially during this time of high inflation," said Cherry, who authored the new law. "Thanks to years of good fiscal stewardship, Indiana can provide this support for the Hoosiers who dedicated so much to making our state great."
"These new laws work to address several key issues impacting Hoosiers and their families," said State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown). "As state representatives, we rely heavily on our constituents' input to help guide us in determining new laws to make Indiana a place where people can succeed and thrive. To anyone who reached out to me this session, thank you."
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
A child can spend months or over a year in foster care until their child in need of services or CHINS case is resolved. To help reduce this time, the state will have concurrent plans in place that include another permanent or long-term care option for the child if family reunification isn't possible. This requirement will apply if the child has been removed from the parent for at least 12 of the last 22 months.
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.
"Selling agricultural land to foreign enemies jeopardizes our state's food security," said State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers), who co-authored the new law. "As one of the top producing agricultural states in the country, we must protect our farmland and ensure that it remains an asset for our food production."
"State lawmakers took a hard look at issues that are important to Hoosiers and worked diligently during the 2024 legislative session to deliver results," said State Rep. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson). "New laws took effect this month on a wide range of issues, including those that support teachers and students, provide for retirees, and safeguard Indiana land."
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.
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State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) represents House District 53,
which includes portions of Hancock and Madison counties.
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State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) represents House District 31,
which includes portions of Grant and Madison counties.
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State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Hamilton, Hancock, Madison and Marion counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson) represents House District 36,
which includes a portion of Madison County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
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