STATEHOUSE (July 5, 2024) – As summer kicks off in Indiana, local lawmakers want Hoosiers to know about a wide range of new state laws that took effect this week.
State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session took effect July 1, including increasing Indiana’s teacher pipeline. Hoosiers who want to make a career switch and go into teaching will be able to apply for Transition to Teaching Scholarships. To be eligible for a one-time, non-renewable scholarship of up to $10,000, applicants pursuing a transition to teaching certification must have a bachelor’s degree, agree to obtain an initial practitioner license and teach in Indiana for at least five years.
“Like many other states and other industries, we’re facing a shortage of educators,” said Cash, who serves as a member of the House Education Committee. “Providing scholarships to Hoosiers who are enrolled in transition to teaching certification programs is a common sense move to boost our talent pipeline and support our students and schools.”
State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresvile) said lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like supporting veterans and military members. A new public notification like Indiana’s Amber Alert and Silver Alert will soon help first responders locate missing and at-risk veterans and military members. A Green Alert could be issued by the Indiana State Police for veterans, service members, Indiana National Guard members and reservists within 48 hours of the individual being reported missing.
“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our veterans and military members, who sacrificed their time and skills to secure Indiana’s freedoms, is essential,” said Haggard, a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. “Implementing a Green Alert system will add another tool to help those in crisis.”
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
Expanding Work-Based Learning
More Hoosier high school students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account to pursue internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities. The $5,000 scholarship covers certain expenses like training, career coaching, driver’s education, certification and credentialing exams. Visit in.gov/tos/csa or call 317-232-0723 for more information.
“No matter what path young Hoosiers pursue after high school, providing them with more opportunities to explore careers is beneficial to them and our state,” said State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), who co-authored the new law. “These scholarships could open more doors for students to discover their passion and be better positioned for the workforce after graduation.”
Stepping Up For Public Retirees
Indiana’s nearly 90,000 retired public servants like law enforcement and teachers will receive a 13th check to help cover cost-of-living expenses. Existing, dedicated funds will be used to make a one-time, post-retirement payment, which will average about $360 per recipient.
“Our retired public employees spent their careers serving Hoosiers and making Indiana a great state for families and businesses,” said State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon). With inflation driving up costs for everyday items, they need any additional support we can provide. I’m hopeful this extra payment will ease any financial burden they may face.”
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.
