STATEHOUSE (July 18, 2023) – New state laws supporting Hoosiers and backed by local lawmakers during the 2023 legislative session are now in effect.
"Hoosiers know their needs best, not the government and that’s why I support efforts to make sure they keep more of their hard-earned money," said State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman). "This session we provided about $430 million in tax relief, and I'll continue to seek ways to support families and job creators."
Most legislation passed during the recent session took effect at the beginning of the state's new fiscal year on July 1.
Under the state's newly passed state budget, taxpayers are expected to save an estimated $430 million over the next two years via tax relief passed during the legislative session. Thanks to the acceleration of individual state income tax cuts, hardworking Hoosiers will have one of the lowest rates in the nation by 2027. Indiana's K-12 spending makes up about half of the state's $44.6 billion budget, and lawmakers supported increasing student funding by 10% over the next two years. In addition, parents will no longer pay textbook and curricular fees.
"Indiana is in a strong fiscal position, and we were able to cut income taxes for hardworking Hoosiers even faster than originally planned," said State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. "Doing that while funding essential services and investing for the future shows our state is one of the best for raising a family, earning a living and starting a business."
"Our state's new two-year budget continues strong investments in Hoosier students and includes relief for parents by eliminating curricular fees," said State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. "We also took steps to ensure more students have an opportunity to gain meaningful work-related experiences and skills in high school, so that they're more prepared to enter the workforce."
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
Lowering Health Care Costs
In an effort to lower patient and employer costs, there will be greater transparency and oversight of Indiana's largest hospital systems through a new Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force. Health care costs will be further contained by prohibiting billing practices that often result in a higher hospital price being charged for nonhospital-based services. Physicians will also receive more support for starting an independent practice, which could increase health care options and lower costs.
Increasing Mental Health Treatment
Law enforcement will have the ability to refer low-risk individuals suffering from a mental illness, or impairment from drugs and alcohol to the nearest mental health facility instead of the county jail. Individuals will not be turned away due to an inability to pay for services. Local mental health and addiction referral programs will also be available to help those who are incarcerated get treatment.
Protecting Children from Harmful Material
Hoosier children would not be able to access obscene and harmful content at K-12 public school libraries. Parents and local community members can request content be reviewed for reshelving or removal, and school boards will review requests during their next public meeting. Parents could also appeal a decision.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws now in effect.
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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.
