STATEHOUSE (July 1, 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:
Protecting 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.
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.
"College isn't an option for every Hoosier high schooler, but they still need access to other opportunities to skill up for a successful future," said State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso). "For those students, getting hands-on learning experiences while still in school can set them up for promising careers after graduation."
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. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House District 4,
which includes a portion of Porter County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
