Local Legislators Highlight New Laws Effective July 1

Two highlighted laws include honoring first responders and supporting military veterans.

Shutterstock photo.

INDIANAPOLIS - State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session take 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. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison) said lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like securing Hoosier farmland. 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.

"Farming is one of Indiana's main industries, and we need to make sure our agricultural land stays out of our adversaries' hands," Lyness said. "This commonsense law will prevent bad actors from obtaining farmland and other vital assets, meaning fewer security risks."

Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:

Honoring First Responders

Indiana will recognize firefighters, emergency medical responders, law enforcement and other first responders who go above and beyond the call of duty through the creation of the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor. The award could also be presented to the families of first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice for our state.

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."

Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.