Lawmakers are working to wrap up the 2017 legislative session. At this point, we are finalizing the next two-year state budget and a comprehensive, long-term funding plan for our roads and bridges.
As we near the end of session, multiple bills have already become law, including:
Providing assistance for military families: To better connect families with local resources and help with veterans-related issues, surviving spouses of veterans can now indicate their status on their driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will share this information with the Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs in order to ensure they are connected with their county veteran service officers, who have specialized training and can offer assistance.
Lessening the burden of paying for college: To further assist and encourage families to save for college, a new law prevents funds in CollegeChoice 529 plans from being a factor in determining eligibility for financial aid or public assistance programs like Medicaid. CollegeChoice 529 direct savings plans are tax-exempt and can be used for a number of expenses related to higher education, and anyone can make contributions to a child’s account.
Establishing penalties for illegal immigrants who possess firearms: To prevent illegal immigrants from possessing firearms, those who are unlawfully in the United States who knowingly have a gun can now be charged with a felony.
I look forward to highlighting other new laws I supported in the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
