State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) said Hoosiers should be aware of several new state laws effective July 1, including those expanding broadband access, supporting lawful gun owners and helping small businesses.
“Guided by conservative principles, Indiana lawmakers took action on a number of issues ranging from removing carry permit fees for lawful gun owners to cutting red tape for adoptive families,” Hostettler said. “These new laws and other help ensure that government doesn’t needlessly stand in the way.”
Hostettler highlighted several new and notable laws:
Supporting Indiana Adoptions
Adoptions can take longer in certain counties that face increased workloads, delaying children from joining their new loving homes. Thanks to House Enrolled Act 1448, Hoosier families can file petitions to adopt in counties outside of where they live in order to speed up the process.
“All Hoosier children deserve loving homes and government red tape shouldn’t impede Hoosier families from considering adoption,” Hostettler said.
Expanding Broadband Access
Thanks to House Enrolled Act 1001, an unprecedented $250 million will be invested in affordable internet service, especially in unserved and underserved areas. Lawmakers also prioritized access for Hoosier schools, students and health care clinics in rural communities in House Enrolled Act 1449.
Helping Small Businesses
Senate Enrolled Act 1 and House Enrolled Act 1002 support employers and jobs by extending civil liability protections related to COVID-19 to employers, schools and health care entities. House Enrolled Act 1004 allows local employers impacted by the pandemic to apply for a Small Business Restart Grant to pay for a portion of business and payroll-related expenses. Hoosier employers can learn more and apply at backontrack.in.gov.
“We need our small businesses firing on all cylinders,” Hostettler said. “They’re critical to supporting local jobs and our economy. With these grants, our job creators can accelerate their recovery after surviving a very difficult year.”
Supporting Lawful Gun Owners
Lawful Hoosier gun owners will no longer pay a fee to obtain a lifetime license to carry a handgun due to the passage of House Enrolled Act 1001. Hoosiers can visit IN.gov/ISP to apply for a free five-year or lifetime license, or renew current permits. The process to legally purchase a handgun remains the same.
