STATEHOUSE (June 26, 2024) – As summer kicks off in Indiana, State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) want Hoosiers to know about a wide range of new state laws taking effect July 1.
Borders said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session take effect July 1, including 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.
"Improving reading proficiency in our youngest learners is important for their future success," Borders said. "By strengthening remediation efforts and offering classroom support in second grade, we can help more students develop strong literacy skills."
Hostettler said lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like 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.
"We want all students to be successful and many want to pursue a career outside of college," said Hostettler, who co-authored the new law. "These scholarships open more opportunities for them to get on-site experience and network with professionals before graduation."
Borders and Hostettler also highlighted the following new laws:
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.
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.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.
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State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45,
which includes all of Greene and Sullivan counties, and portions of Daviess, Knox and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) represents House District 64,
which includes portions of Gibson, Knox and Vanderburgh counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
