STATEHOUSE (July 13, 2023) – New state laws supporting Hoosiers and backed by local lawmakers during the 2023 legislative session are now in effect.
"With these new laws, we will propel our state forward even more while remaining fiscally responsible," said State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne). "In addition to protecting taxpayers, we took important steps to keep our communities safe, connect more Hoosiers to critical mental health services and maintain election security. I look forward to building on these efforts, and working hard to ensure Hoosiers and our communities continue to succeed."
Most legislation passed during the recent session took effect at the beginning of the state's new fiscal year on July 1.
Under the state's newly passed state budget, taxpayers are expected to save an estimated $430 million over the next two years via tax relief passed during the legislative session. Lehman said thanks to the acceleration of individual state income tax cuts, hardworking Hoosiers will have one of the lowest rates in the nation by 2027. Indiana's K-12 spending makes up about half of the state's $44.6 billion budget, and lawmakers supported increasing student funding by 10% over the next two years. In addition, parents will no longer pay textbook and curricular fees.
"As liberal policies at the national level continue to fail Americans, Indiana remains focused on supporting Hoosiers and Hoosier priorities, like keeping taxes low, and empowering students and families," said State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City). "Our state budget is balanced with no gimmicks, saves for a rainy day and makes investments that will deliver results for years to come."
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
Providing Tax Relief for Homeowners
Property tax dollars are collected and spent locally, and help pay for schools, police and fire protection, and other local government services. To help counter the rise in local property tax bills, the state took actions to provide about $100 million in property tax relief for homeowners beginning next year. Hoosiers can expect a temporary increase to the supplemental homestead tax deduction and additional limits on property tax levy growth.
Increasing Mental Health Treatment
Law enforcement will have the ability to refer low-risk, non-violent individuals suffering from a mental illness, or impairment from drugs and alcohol to the nearest mental health facility instead of the county jail. Individuals will not be turned away due to an inability to pay for services. Local mental health and addiction referral programs will also be available to help those who are incarcerated get treatment.
Maintaining Election Security
To ensure the absentee vote-by-mail process is as secure as voting in person, when submitting an absentee ballot application, voters will need to include a form of ID, like the last four digits of their Social Security number and either a driver's license number, state ID number or voter registration number. Voters can also submit a photocopy of their driver's license or an ID card for non-drivers.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws now in effect.
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State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County, and portions of Jay and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33,
which includes all of Blackford and Randolph counties, and portions of Delaware, Henry and Jay counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
