Indy Standard

As summer begins in Indiana, State Representatives Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) and Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) are informing residents about a range of new state laws that will take effect on July 1.

O'Brien emphasized that most of the new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session, including measures to bolster the emergency medical services workforce, will become effective on this date. Indiana faces a growing shortage of emergency medical services personnel, a trend mirrored nationwide. A new comprehensive study of the state’s 800 EMS providers aims to explore ways to improve services, recruitment, training, and address workforce challenges.

"When a medical crisis happens, we need reliable emergency medical services to respond," said O'Brien, who authored the legislation. "This legislation could go a long way toward ensuring every 911 call is answered quickly and that Hoosiers know help is on the way when they need it most."

Ledbetter highlighted legislative action on various issues this year, including curbing surprise ambulance bills. New protections will ensure more Hoosiers are shielded from unexpected charges from out-of-network ambulance providers. Health insurance companies will now be required to reimburse ambulance providers regardless of network status. Additionally, 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."

O'Brien and Ledbetter also noted other significant laws taking effect:

**Protecting Hoosier Farmland**

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

**Increasing Election Security**

To enhance election security in Indiana, officials will have additional tools to maintain accurate voter registration lists. Proof of citizenship will now be required for individuals registering with temporary IDs, and first-time voters must provide proof of residency.

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

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

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

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