(Statehouse) – Local lawmakers want you to know about a wide range of new state laws now in effect.
State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) said most 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.”
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 such as 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.
Supporting Veterans, Military Members
A new public notification similar to 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.
