Reps. Heaton, Morrison highlight new laws effective July 1

Posted by: Matt Stachler  | Wednesday, June 26, 2024

STATEHOUSE (June 26, 2024) – As summer kicks off in Indiana, State Reps. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) and Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) want Hoosiers to know about a wide range of new state laws taking effect July 1.

Heaton said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session take effect July 1, including 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.

"Expanding work-based learning opens doors for Hoosier students to gain valuable hands-on experience in their chosen fields," said Heaton, who co-authored the new law. "Through these accounts, Indiana is investing in our students' futures and helping them succeed in high-demand careers."

Morrison said lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like safeguarding 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.

"Protecting Indiana's farmland and food supply is crucial for our security and well-being," Morrison said. "By preventing foreign adversaries from buying up land, we're securing local resources and standing up for the agricultural integrity of the state."

Heaton and Morrison also highlighted the following new laws: 

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. 

Supporting Veterans, 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.

Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.

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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. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) represents House District 42, which includes
all of Parke and Vermillion counties, and portions of Clay, Fountain and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.