STATEHOUSE (July 2, 2024) – As summer kicks off in Indiana, local lawmakers want Hoosiers to know about a wide range of new state laws that took effect this week.
State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session took 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.
"With Career Scholarship Accounts, our students will have more options to find early, hands-on learning experience before they leave high school," said Zimmerman, who co-authored the new law. "This means more of our students will be able to hit the ground running no matter what path they choose upon graduation."
"As more students pursue a career outside of the college track, they should have other meaningful opportunities to learn and grow," said State Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown), who also co-authored the new law. "With CSAs, Indiana's future workforce will be able to get a head start on their careers, graduating with experience and connections that can help them for years to come."
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) said lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like 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
"Indiana relies on teachers, police officers and other public servants to provide critical services to all Hoosiers," said Meltzer, who co-authored the new law. "This 13th check is a way to help our public retirees cover some of the gaps in cost-of-living expenses, especially during a time of record-high inflation."
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
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.
"Recently, more and more of our adversaries have bought up vital farmland, raising legitimate concerns for Indiana's agriculture industry and food supply," said State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown). "This measure simply ensures our land is protected."
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.
"These new laws are a result of listening to Hoosiers about what matters most to them and our local communities," said State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville). "In our district, protecting prime farmland and standing up for generations of farm families is a top priority. That's why I supported legislation to ensure we stop foreign adversaries from buying up land, which is a growing problem around the country, and disrupting our critical food supply chain."
"Farming is one of Indiana's main industries, and we need to make sure our agricultural land stays out of our adversaries' hands," said State Rep. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison). "This commonsense law will prevent bad actors from obtaining farmland and other vital assets, meaning fewer security risks."
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.
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State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) represents House District 70,
which includes all of Harrison County, and portions of Clark, Floyd and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison) represents House District 68,
which includes all of Dearborn, Ohio and Switzerland counties, and a portion of Jefferson County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 73,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) represents House District 55, which includes
all of Fayette, Franklin and Union counties, and portions of Decatur, Ripley and Rush counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown) represents House District 66,
which includes portions of Clark, Jefferson and Scott counties.
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State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) represents House District 67,
which includes portions of Decatur, Jefferson, Jennings and Ripley counties.
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