STATEHOUSE (July 14, 2022) – State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) said Hoosiers should be aware of several new and notable state laws, which are now in effect.
"I worked with fellow legislators this session to take action on issues that matter most to hardworking Hoosiers," May said. "Whether it was cutting $1 billion in taxes, protecting college students' right to free speech or strengthening election security, we accomplished a lot on behalf of our constituents."
May said Hoosiers should be aware of several new laws, which were passed during the 2022 legislative session and took effect on July 1:
Putting Taxpayers First
May co-authored legislation that could save Hoosiers over $1 billion annually through a new tax-cut package that will reduce the individual income tax rate to 2.9% over time, and eliminate the Utility Receipts Tax, saving residents $200 million a year on utility bills. Additionally, taxpayers are receiving $545 million via automatic taxpayer refunds this year.
Supporting Free Speech
Indiana public college and university students are able to express themselves across campuses by eliminating free speech zones. These zones are typically regulated and sectioned areas in remote locations, and infringe on the First Amendment right protecting speech in public areas.
Increasing Election Security
Indiana will double its number of election audits after each general election. All Indiana electronic voting machines will be required to be equipped with a voter-verifiable paper audit trail by the 2024 election. Every voter will be able to verify their ballot on a printout before casting their vote. This step will offer assurances that electronically recorded votes are accurate.
Boosting Public Safety
Judges will receive additional flexibility to send all felony offenders to Indiana state prisons, which could help alleviate jail overcrowding and allow locals to direct resources to where they matter most. Indiana's Department of Correction offers more mental health and addiction treatment options while many jails do not.
"Many of our jails have dealt with an influx of offenders who are struggling with mental health and addition issues," said May, who co-authored the law. "Sending them to state facilities where they can get the help they need can reduce the recidivism rate, and free up local law enforcement to focus more on keeping our communities safe."
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.
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State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65, which includes all of
Brown County, most of Lawrence County and parts of Monroe, Jackson and Johnson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford), pictured in the Indiana House Chamber during the 2022 legislative session, supported several new laws now in effect.
