Indy Standard

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

State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) stated that most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session, including those honoring first responders, will become effective on this date. Indiana will now recognize firefighters, emergency medical responders, law enforcement officers, and other first responders who go above and beyond through the creation of the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor. This award may also be presented to 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. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) noted that lawmakers addressed various significant issues this year, such as 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 related rights. Additionally, China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran will be restricted from acquiring land within a 10-mile radius of military installations.

"Recently, more and more of our adversaries have bought up vital farmland, raising legitimate concerns for Indiana's agriculture industry and food supply," Engleman said. "This measure simply ensures our land is protected."

Local lawmakers also highlighted several other new laws:

Supporting Veterans and Military Members

A new public notification system similar to Indiana's Amber Alert and Silver Alert will soon 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.

Cutting Government Red Tape

Food truck operators have expressed concerns about inconsistent regulatory ordinances and costly fees across counties that hinder their operations. To address this issue, counties will now be required to create a permit adhering to universal state standards with a fee capped 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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