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. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) noted that most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session become effective on this date, including provisions for public retirees. Indiana's nearly 90,000 retired public servants, such as law enforcement officers and teachers, will receive a 13th check to help cover cost-of-living expenses. This one-time post-retirement payment, averaging about $360 per recipient, will be funded from existing dedicated funds.

"With so many retirees struggling to keep up with high inflation and rising costs, a 13th check can provide some relief for Indiana's retired public employees," said Aylesworth, who co-authored the new law. "This one-time payment will help thousands of Hoosiers narrow their cost-of-living gap."

State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) emphasized legislative actions on various critical issues this year, such as addressing misleading political advertisements. Political ads created with artificial intelligence (AI) can mislead voters by altering a candidate's appearance, conduct or speech. To safeguard election integrity, these ads must now include a disclaimer when a candidate's image, audio or video is altered without consent.

"With important upcoming elections and the rise of artificial intelligence, more and more Hoosiers are susceptible to misinformation and mistrust spread by fabricated political ads," said Olthoff, who authored the new law. "Requiring a disclaimer on AI-generated political ads will promote transparency and notify voters of fake content not authorized by the candidate."

Local legislators also highlighted several other 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 are banned from purchasing or leasing agricultural land as well as mineral, water or riparian rights. Additionally, China, Russia, North Korea and Iran are prohibited from purchasing or leasing land within a 10-mile radius of military installations.

Expanding Work-Based Learning

More high school students in Indiana can now apply for a Career Scholarship Account to pursue internships, apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities. The $5,000 scholarship covers certain expenses such as training programs, career coaching sessions, driver's education courses and certification exams.

"College isn't an option for every Hoosier high schooler but they still need access to other opportunities to skill up for a successful future," said State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso). "For those students getting hands-on learning experiences while still in school can set them up for promising careers after graduation."

Further information about these and other new state laws is available at iga.in.gov.