From the state budget funding key services to protecting individual rights, Vanderburgh County lawmakers said Hoosiers should be aware of several new state law effective July 1.
 “The new two-year budget makes historic investments in public education while paying down more than $1 billion in debt,” said State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville). “These laws now in effect will keep Indiana and Vanderburgh County moving forward.”
Here are several new and notable laws:
Prioritizing Students, Teachers
House Enrolled Act 1001 funds critical government services and proven programs while making Indiana schools a priority. K-12 education will receive a $1.9 billion increase in funding over the next two years, including $600 million to boost teacher pay, which exceeds the Next Level Teacher Compensation Commission’s funding recommendations to make teacher pay more competitive.
State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) authored House Enrolled Act 1008 in response to her experience as a high school principal. She said the new law establishing a $150 million grant program supports students who are at risk of falling behind or scored below academic standards because of disruptions caused by COVID-19.
“Indiana’s education system faced unprecedented challenges this past year,” McNamara said. “Teachers, students and familiesall deserve recognition for pivoting and making adjustments to make sure learning continued. With this new grant program,resources will be provided to students who suffered learning loss this past year due to school closures, remote learning and other challenges. Our goal is to help students bridge the gap so they’re better prepared to enter the next grade.”
Protecting Individual Rights
Senate Enrolled Act 263 defines religious gatherings as essential, and ensures the government cannot restrict the right to worship in-person during public emergencies. Other church services like food pantries, daycare or educational classes can also not be more restricted than other essential services. The governor also signed Senate Enrolled Act 202 into law to require nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospitals to participate in state programs guaranteeing caretakers’ access to their loved ones during public emergencies.
“During difficult times, many Hoosiers turn to places of worship for support or guidance,” O’Brien said. “Religious institutions can do so much good for a community. This law protects Hoosiers’ right to worship and ensures that churches are considered essential services.”
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, effective since mid-April, 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.
Driving Toward Success
Many Hoosiers with suspended licenses can drive again and head back to work by providing proof of insurance to the BMV. McNamara, chair of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee, authored House Enrolled Act 1199, which gives the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles more flexibility when working with Hoosiers whose driving privileges have been revoked.
The new law would allow the BMV to lift a license suspension if an individual can provide proof that they maintained insurance for a period of 180 days.
The law also helps nonviolent offenders reenter the workforce by delaying their license reinstatement fees.
“This law reduces the financial burden for those who have completed a three-year education and job training program, and who are ready to put their new skills to good use,” McNamara said. “Having transportation is key to holding down a job, and this new law will help break the cycle for Hoosiers who need to get back on the road and back to work.”
