Indy Standard

As summer begins in Indiana, State Representatives Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) and Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) are informing residents about a range of new state laws set to take effect on July 1.

Bartels noted that most laws passed during the 2024 legislative session will be effective from this date, including measures aimed at supporting veterans and military members. Among these is a new public notification system akin to Indiana's Amber Alert and Silver Alert, designed to help first responders locate missing and at-risk veterans and military members. The Green Alert can be issued by the Indiana State Police for veterans, service members, Indiana National Guard members, and reservists within 48 hours of being reported missing.

"The Green Alert will be a noteworthy safety net for our current and former military members," said Bartels, who co-authored the new law. "Our veterans have served Hoosiers in tremendous ways, and this new alert system could lead to lifesaving care for those needing help."

Lindauer highlighted legislative actions taken on several critical issues this year, including increasing election security. To protect Indiana's elections, officials will now have more tools to maintain accurate voter registration lists. Additionally, proof of citizenship will be required for individuals registering with temporary IDs, and first-time voters must provide proof of residency.

"The security of our elections is paramount to Hoosiers," Lindauer stated. "Maintaining updated voter registration lists and putting guardrails in place to ensure only citizens cast a ballot can ensure that Indiana continues to have fair and free elections."

Bartels and Lindauer also emphasized other significant new laws:

Supporting Foster Children

Aiming to reduce the time children spend in foster care while their child in need of services (CHINS) cases are resolved, the state will implement concurrent plans that include another permanent or long-term care option if family reunification is not possible. This requirement applies if the child has been removed from the parent for at least 12 out of the last 22 months.

Increasing Indiana's Teacher Pipeline

Hoosiers seeking a career switch into teaching can apply for Transition to Teaching Scholarships. Eligible applicants pursuing transition-to-teaching certification can receive a one-time scholarship of up to $10,000 if they hold a bachelor's degree, agree to obtain an initial practitioner license, and commit to teaching in Indiana for at least five years.

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

State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74, which includes all of Crawford, Perry, Spencer counties as well as portions of Dubois and Orange counties.