STATEHOUSE (June 28, 2024) – As summer kicks off in Indiana, State Reps. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) and Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) want Hoosiers to know about a wide range of new state laws taking effect July 1.
Bartels said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session take effect July 1, including supporting veterans and military members. A new public notification like Indiana's Amber Alert and Silver Alert will soon help first responders locate missing and at-risk veterans and military members. A Green Alert could be issued by the Indiana State Police for veterans, service members, Indiana National Guard members and reservists within 48 hours of the individual being reported missing.
"The Green Alert will be a noteworthy safety net for our current and former military members," said Bartels, who co-authored the new law. "Our veterans have served Hoosiers in tremendous ways, and this new alert system could lead to lifesaving care for those needing help."
Lindauer said lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like increasing election security. To help protect Indiana's elections, officials will have more tools to maintain accurate and up-to-date voter registration lists. Also, proof of citizenship will be required for individuals registering with temporary IDs and first-time voters will be required to provide proof of residency.
"The security of our elections is paramount to Hoosiers," Lindauer said. "Maintaining updated voter registration lists and putting guardrails in place to ensure only citizens cast a ballot can ensure that Indiana continues to have fair and free elections."
Bartels and Lindauer 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.
Increasing Indiana's Teacher Pipeline
Hoosiers who want to make a career switch and go into teaching can apply for Transition to Teaching Scholarships. To be eligible for a one-time, non-renewable scholarship of up to $10,000, applicants pursuing a transition to teaching certification must have a bachelor's degree, agree to obtain an initial practitioner license and teach in Indiana for at least five years.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.
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State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74, which includes
all of Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties, and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.
Click here for a high resolution photo.
State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) represents House District 63,
which includes all of Martin County, and portions of Daviess, Dubois and Pike counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
