STATEHOUSE (July 1, 2021) – State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) said Hoosiers should be aware of several new state laws effective July 1, including the new state budget and those supporting law enforcement, small businesses, and students and teachers.
"Several new laws are the direct result of input from constituents who reached out to legislators for solutions," Rowray said. "From new tools for our hardworking police officers to innovative programs building up our broadband infrastructure, these new laws will go a long way to help support our communities."
Rowray highlighted several new and notable laws:
Funding Hoosier Priorities
Indiana's next two-year, $37 billion state budget reduces taxpayer-funded debt by over $1 billion, and provides opportunities for future tax cuts and reforms. House Enrolled Act 1001 funds critical government services and proven programs while making historic investments in K-12 education, broadband and economic development.
Supporting Law Enforcement
In House Enrolled Act 1006, co-authored by Rowray, Indiana directed $70 million to improve law enforcement training facilities and programs. The law received bipartisan support and total backing from law enforcement to give police more tools to vet candidates and hire the best officers. Under the new state budget, departments can also apply for grants to purchase car and body-worn cameras.
Helping Small Businesses
Senate Enrolled Act 1 and House Enrolled Act 1002 support employers and jobs by extending civil liability protections related to COVID-19 to employers, schools and health care entities. House Enrolled Act 1004, effective since mid-April, allows local employers impacted by the pandemic to apply for a Small Business Restart Grant to pay for a portion of business and payroll-related expenses. Hoosier employers can learn more and apply at backontrack.in.gov.
Prioritizing Students, Teachers
K-12 education will receive a historic, $1.9 billion increase in funding over the next two years as part of Indiana's biennial state budget to support students and teacher pay raises. A new, $150 million grant program established in House Enrolled Act 1008 supports students who are at risk of falling behind or scored below academic standards because of disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.
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State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
