STATEHOUSE (July 11, 2022) – State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) said Hoosiers should be aware of several new and notable state laws, which are now in effect.
"I spent much of this session supporting legislation that reflects Indiana's conservative principles, like protecting mothers and the unborn, and ensuring our freedom of speech is not infringed on," Prescott said. "In Indiana, we answered the calls of Hoosiers who want commonsense values to be reflected in legislation that comes out of the Statehouse."
Prescott said Hoosiers should be aware of several new laws, which were passed during the 2022 legislative session and took effect on July 1:
Defending Girls' Sports
Biological males will not be able to participate on girls' K-12 sports teams at public schools in Indiana. While the governor vetoed the measure, the majority of lawmakers supported a veto override in May to protect fairness and integrity in girls' sports.
Supporting Free Speech
Indiana public college and university students will be able to express themselves across campuses by the elimination of 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.
Protecting Pregnant Women
Indiana will join 18 other states that provide protections to women and their unborn babies from coerced abortions. A person who coerces a pregnant woman to terminate their pregnancy could be charged with a felony, and abortion clinics will be held accountable if they fail to report coercion to law enforcement.
Preserving Indiana Farmland
Studies show foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land has doubled from 2009 to 2019. Russians and Russian-controlled businesses will be banned from acquiring any land or real estate in the state for a year. Also, foreign entities will not be able to acquire agricultural land for farming or timber production.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.
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State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33, which
includes Jay and Randolph counties, and a portion of Delaware County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
