Indy Standard

As summer begins in Indiana, State Representatives Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) and Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) have announced a range of new state laws set to take effect on July 1.

Lindauer highlighted that most of the new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session will become effective on this date, including measures to increase election security. The new regulations will provide officials with additional tools to maintain accurate and up-to-date voter registration lists. Individuals registering with temporary IDs will now be required to provide proof of citizenship, and first-time voters must show proof of residency.

"The security of our elections is paramount to Hoosiers," Lindauer stated. "Maintaining updated voter registration lists and putting guardrails in place to ensure only citizens cast a ballot can ensure that Indiana continues to have fair and free elections."

Ledbetter discussed legislative actions taken on several critical issues, such as addressing surprise ambulance bills. The new law mandates that health insurance companies reimburse ambulance providers regardless of their network status, while copays and deductible payments for out-of-network services will be capped at in-network rates.

"The last thing Hoosiers should worry about during a medical emergency is the potential cost of an ambulance ride," Ledbetter said. "This new law will alleviate that stress by ensuring health insurers cover costs while limiting copays and deductibles."

Additional new laws highlighted by Ledbetter and Lindauer include:

Protecting Hoosier Farmland

To safeguard Indiana's farmland and food supply chain, individuals or entities associated with foreign adversaries like Russia and China are banned from purchasing or leasing agricultural land, as well as mineral, water, or riparian rights. Furthermore, China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran are prohibited from acquiring land within a 10-mile radius of military installations.

Supporting Foster Children

In efforts to reduce the time children spend in foster care awaiting resolution of their Child In Need Of Services (CHINS) cases, the state will implement concurrent plans for alternative permanent or long-term care options if family reunification is not feasible. This requirement applies if the child has been removed from their parent for at least 12 out of the last 22 months.

For more information on these and other new state laws, visit iga.in.gov.

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State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) represents House District 75,

which includes portions of Gibson, Pike, and Warrick counties.

Click here to download a high-resolution photo.