Indy Standard

As summer begins in Indiana, local lawmakers are informing residents about new state laws taking effect on July 1. State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) highlighted that many of the new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session focus on expanding work-based learning opportunities for high school students. The Career Scholarship Account, offering $5,000 scholarships to cover expenses such as training and career coaching, is one such initiative.

"With Career Scholarship Accounts, our students will have more options to find early, hands-on learning experience before they leave high school," said Zimmerman, who co-authored the law. "This means more of our students will be able to hit the ground running no matter what path they choose upon graduation."

State Rep. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison) emphasized actions taken on issues like securing farmland from foreign adversaries. A new law bans individuals or entities associated with countries such as Russia and China from purchasing or leasing agricultural land and other critical assets within a 10-mile radius of military installations.

"Farming is one of Indiana's main industries, and we need to make sure our agricultural land stays out of our adversaries' hands," Lyness said. "This commonsense law will prevent bad actors from obtaining farmland and other vital assets, meaning fewer security risks."

Other new laws include the creation of the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor to recognize exceptional service by first responders and a Green Alert system to help locate missing veterans and military members.

"These new laws are a result of listening to Hoosiers about what matters most to them and our local communities," said State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville). "In our district, protecting prime farmland and standing up for generations of farm families is a top priority."

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