STATEHOUSE (June 26, 2024) – As summer kicks off in Indiana, State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) 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."
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."
Borders and Lindauer also highlighted the following new laws:
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.
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.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.
-30-
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. 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.
