Indy Standard

As summer begins in Indiana, local lawmakers are informing residents about a range of new state laws taking effect on July 1.

State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) noted that most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session will take effect on this date, including measures to honor first responders. Indiana will now recognize firefighters, emergency medical responders, law enforcement officers, and other first responders who exceed their duties through the creation of the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor. This award may also be presented to the families of first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the state.

"Whether it's one of Indiana's firefighters, law enforcement or other first responders, these Hoosiers put their lives on the line to help in an emergency," said Lucas, who authored the new law. "To honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, this award will serve as a way to help give these heroes the recognition they deserve."

State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman) emphasized legislative actions addressing various critical issues such as improving student reading proficiency. Currently, one in five Hoosier third graders struggles with reading. Data indicates that individuals with low literacy levels earn less money, have poorer health outcomes, and face higher incarceration rates than their peers. To address this issue, Indiana will enhance its remediation efforts and provide more targeted classroom support starting in second grade. Schools will also be required to offer summer courses aimed at improving reading skills beginning this year.

"Literacy is one of the core pillars to our students' success both in and out of the classroom," Hall said. "By bolstering Indiana's efforts to improve reading rates, we can ensure they have a stronger foundation to grow from."

Local lawmakers also highlighted additional new laws:

**Protecting Hoosier Farmland**

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

**Cutting Government Red Tape**

Food truck operators raised concerns about inconsistent regulatory ordinances and costly fees across different counties that hinder their operations and expansion efforts. To address this issue, counties will now be required to create a permit adhering to universal state standards with a fee cap set at $200.

"We need to continue making it as simple as possible for businesses of all sizes to grow in our state," said State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford). "Capping fees and streamlining the permitting process for food trucks can help these entrepreneurs flourish without having to jump through so many hoops."

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

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State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman) represents House District 62,

which includes all of Brown County and portions of Monroe and Jackson counties.

Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,

which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.

Click here to download a high-resolution photo.