Indy Standard

As summer begins in Indiana, State Representatives J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) are informing residents about a variety of new state laws set to take effect on July 1.

Rowray highlighted that most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session will be implemented from July 1, including initiatives to expand work-based learning. This expansion allows more high school students in Indiana to apply for a Career Scholarship Account, which supports internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities. The $5,000 scholarship covers expenses such as training, career coaching, driver's education, and certification exams. For more information, visit in.gov/tos/csa or call 317-232-0723.

"These new laws work to address several key issues impacting Hoosiers and their families," Rowray said. "As state representatives, we rely heavily on our constituents' input to help guide us in determining new laws to make Indiana a place where people can succeed and thrive. To anyone who reached out to me this session, thank you."

Prescott emphasized legislative actions on various significant issues this year, particularly supporting teen workers. New state laws will now align with federal standards to remove certain employment barriers for teenagers and provide them with greater flexibility. For instance, 14- to 15-year-olds will be permitted to work later in the evening during summer with parental permission, and work hour restrictions will be lifted for 16- and 17-year-olds.

"Through listening and talking with constituents, I know that expanding work-based learning and supporting teen workers are important," Prescott said. "That's why I supported legislation that would assist students through their education and career paths. While there is more work ahead on this issue, we made some great progress."

Other new laws include:

Stepping Up For Public Retirees: Nearly 90,000 retired public servants in Indiana will receive a 13th check to help cover cost-of-living expenses. Existing funds will be used for a one-time post-retirement payment averaging about $360 per recipient.

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 banned from purchasing or leasing agricultural land as well as mineral, water or riparian rights. Additionally, China, Russia, North Korea and Iran will be prohibited from acquiring land within a 10-mile radius of military installations.

For further details on these and other new state laws taking effect on July 1st visit iga.in.gov.

State Rep. J.D. Prescott represents House District 33 which includes all of Blackford and Randolph counties along with portions of Delaware Henry Jay counties.

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