Indy Standard

As summer begins in Indiana, local lawmakers are informing residents about a variety of new state laws set to take effect on July 1.

State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) highlighted that most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session will become effective on this date, including measures for public retirees. Indiana's nearly 90,000 retired public servants, such as law enforcement officers and teachers, will receive a 13th check to assist with cost-of-living expenses. This one-time post-retirement payment will average approximately $360 per recipient and will be funded through existing dedicated resources.

"With so many retirees struggling to keep up with high inflation and rising costs, a 13th check can provide some relief for Indiana's retired public employees," said Aylesworth, who co-authored the new law. "This one-time payment will help thousands of Hoosiers narrow their cost-of-living gap."

State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) noted that lawmakers addressed various significant issues this year, including misleading political advertisements. Political ads created using artificial intelligence (AI) can mislead voters by altering a candidate's appearance, conduct, or speech. To protect election integrity, a disclaimer will now be required on these ads when a candidate's image, audio, or video is altered without their consent.

"With important upcoming elections and the rise of artificial intelligence, more and more Hoosiers are susceptible to misinformation and mistrust spread by fabricated political ads," said Olthoff, who authored the new law. "Requiring a disclaimer on AI-generated political ads will promote transparency and notify voters of fake content not authorized by the candidate."

Local lawmakers also emphasized other new laws:

Curbing Surprise Ambulance Bills

More Hoosiers will soon be protected from unexpected bills from out-of-network ambulance providers. Health insurance companies will be mandated to reimburse ambulance providers regardless of network status. Copays and deductible payments for out-of-network services will also be capped at in-network rates.

Increasing Indiana's Teacher Pipeline

Hoosiers looking to switch careers into teaching can apply for Transition to Teaching Scholarships. Eligible applicants pursuing a transition to teaching certification must have a bachelor's degree and agree to obtain an initial practitioner license while committing to teach in Indiana for at least five years. The scholarship offers up to $10,000 as a one-time non-renewable grant.

"Not everyone discovers their passion before starting their careers," said State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville). "With transition to teaching scholarships now available, Hoosiers who want to make the switch to teaching will have an easier time paying for their education and entering this rewarding field."

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

State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,

which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.

State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,

which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.