STATEHOUSE (June 26, 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. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session take 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.
"Expanding work-based learning opens doors for Hoosier students to gain valuable hands-on experience in their chosen fields," said Heaton, who co-authored the new law. "Through these accounts, Indiana is investing in our students' futures and helping them succeed in high-demand careers."
State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) said lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like safeguarding 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.
"Protecting our agricultural land and food supply is a top priority," Mayfield said. "Preventing bad actors from acquiring land rights in Indiana ensures these resources remain secure."
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.
Boosting Student Reading Proficiency
Currently, 1 in 5 Hoosier third graders struggle to read. Data shows that individuals with low literacy earn less money, have poorer health and go to prison at higher rates than their peers. To improve reading rates, the state will strengthen its remediation efforts and offer more targeted classroom support starting in second grade. Schools will also be required to offer summer courses to help with reading beginning this year.
"Literacy is one of the core pillars to our students' success both in and out of the classroom," said State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman). "By bolstering Indiana's efforts to improve reading rates, we can ensure they have a stronger foundation to grow from."
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.
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State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman) represents House District 62,
which includes all of Brown County, and portions of Monroe and Jackson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes all of Owen County, and portions of Clay, Monroe and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Johnson, Morgan and Monroe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
