Indy Standard

As summer begins in Indiana, a series of new state laws will take effect on July 1, according to State Representative Beau Baird (R-Greencastle). Baird noted that most of the new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session are set to commence, including initiatives aimed at expanding work-based learning opportunities.

One significant change is the expansion of Career Scholarship Accounts for Hoosier high school students. These accounts provide $5,000 scholarships to cover expenses such as training, career coaching, driver's education, and certification exams. "Creating opportunities for high school students to learn more about high-demand career fields and skill up is really essential to them and their future," said Baird, who co-authored the law. He encouraged students and families to explore this scholarship and urged local employers to become program providers.

Baird also highlighted several other new laws:

**Stepping Up For Public Retirees:** Nearly 90,000 retired public servants in Indiana, including law enforcement officers and teachers, will receive a 13th check to help cover cost-of-living expenses. This one-time post-retirement payment will average about $360 per recipient and will be funded by existing dedicated funds.

**Boosting Student Reading Proficiency:** With data showing that one in five Hoosier third graders struggle with reading—a factor linked to lower earnings, poorer health outcomes, and higher incarceration rates—the state plans to strengthen remediation efforts. Starting this year, schools will offer more targeted classroom support beginning in second grade and provide summer courses focused on reading improvement.

**Supporting Veterans and Military Members:** A new public notification system similar to Amber Alerts and Silver Alerts will be introduced to help locate missing or at-risk veterans and military members. The Green Alert can be issued by the Indiana State Police within 48 hours of a veteran or service member being reported missing.

For more information on these laws or other state legislation, constituents can visit iga.in.gov or contact Representative Baird through his office.