Indy Standard

As summer begins in Indiana, State Representatives Sharon Negele (R-Attica) and Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) are informing residents about a variety of new state laws set to take effect on July 1.

Morrison noted that most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session will become effective on this date, including measures aimed at protecting Hoosier farmland. To safeguard Indiana's farmland and food supply chain, individuals or entities linked to foreign adversaries such as Russia and China will be prohibited from purchasing or leasing agricultural land, as well as mineral, water, or riparian rights. Additionally, China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran will be barred from acquiring or leasing land within a 10-mile radius of military installations.

"Protecting Indiana's farmland and food supply is crucial for our security," Morrison stated. "By preventing foreign adversaries from buying up land, we're securing local resources and standing up for the agricultural integrity of the state."

Negele highlighted legislative actions taken on various critical issues this year, including breast cancer prevention. According to the American Cancer Society, women with dense breast tissue are at higher risk for breast cancer and it can be more challenging to detect. To raise awareness, women with dense breast tissue will now be informed of their breast density following a mammogram and receive additional documentation with more information.

"Creating awareness and opportunities for Hoosier women to learn about their breast tissue can save lives," said Negele, who authored the new law. "Early detection is key to tackling breast cancer and with more women learning their tissue type and the associated risks, Indiana is ensuring they have the information they need when considering options for screenings and prevention."

Morrison and Negele also underscored several other new laws:

**Supporting Veterans and Military Members:** A new public notification system similar to Indiana's Amber Alert and Silver Alert will assist first responders in locating missing and at-risk veterans and military members. The Green Alert could be issued by the Indiana State Police for veterans, service members, Indiana National Guard members, and reservists within 48 hours of being reported missing.

**Safeguarding Hoosiers Online:** In response to instances across the country where artificial intelligence (AI) has been used to create pornography using a real person's image without consent, Negele authored legislation expanding Indiana's revenge porn statute. This law now includes images generated or altered with AI, imposing criminal penalties on perpetrators who create or distribute such content.

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

State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) represents House District 42,

which includes all of Parke and Vermillion counties as well as portions of Clay, Fountain, and Vigo counties.

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