STATEHOUSE (July 14, 2023) – New state laws supporting Hoosiers and backed by local lawmakers during the 2023 legislative session are now in effect.
"Indiana is in a strong fiscal position, and we were able to cut income taxes for hardworking Hoosiers even faster than originally planned," said State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. "Doing that while funding essential services and investing for the future shows our state is one of the best for raising a family, earning a living and starting a business."
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. 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. Through a substantial expansion of school choice, nearly all Hoosier families will be able to send their child to the school that best meets their needs.
"Making sure Hoosiers keep more of their money remained one of my top priorities this session, and we made great progress," said State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil). "We also passed legislation to make sure more Hoosier families than ever before have options when choosing schools that offer the best fit for their kids."
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, State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) said the state took action 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.
"I've met with many constituents who were shocked when they received their local property tax bills this year, and it was clear the legislature needed to act," Borders said. "We gave flexibility for locals to take action now to save property owners money, and we also made changes that will provide much-needed relief moving forward."
Supporting a Diverse Energy Plan
Morrison said Indiana's new statewide energy plan is based on five pillars, including reliability, resiliency, stability, affordability and environmental sustainability. To ensure the dependability of future energy sources, utilities will also have to increase their electric generating capacity to cover demand within their territory even in extreme weather events.
Protecting Children from Harmful Material
Hoosier children would not be able to access obscene and harmful content at K-12 public school libraries. Heaton said parents and local community members can request content be reviewed for reshelving or removal, and school boards will review requests during their next public meeting. Parents could also appeal a decision.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws now in effect.
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State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45,
which includes all of Greene and Sullivan counties, and portions of Daviess, Knox and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes all of Owen County, and portions of Clay, Monroe and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) represents House District 42,
which includes all of Parke and Vermillion counties, and portions of Clay, Fountain and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
