STATEHOUSE (Aug. 7, 2025) – With the 2025 legislative session concluding in April, local lawmakers are highlighting some of the new state laws taking effect this summer.
State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) said many new laws passed during session took effect in July, including a new law to strengthen public safety.
Nationally, there’s been a rise in criminal justice policies like cashless bail, efforts to defund the police or a reluctance to prosecute crimes. To protect public safety, Steuerwald said through House Enrolled Act 1006, a review board will investigate prosecutors who refuse to enforce our laws. Our state budget also increases funding for the State Police.
“Our prosecutors do an incredible job of holding those who threaten public safety accountable, but we’ve seen some who aren’t addressing certain crimes,” said Steuerwald, who co-authored the new law. “This legislation gives the state a way to manage prosecutors who aren’t fulfilling their duties.”
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) said lawmakers took action on a variety of issues impacting Hoosiers this year, including protecting taxpayers.
Indiana’s new budget is balanced, maintains our AAA credit rating, funds critical priorities and continues state income tax cuts for Hoosiers. The budget provides the most ever funding for K-12 schools and expands school choice to all families next year. It boosts funding for public safety and housing access to support growing communities.
“House Republicans worked diligently to pass yet another balanced, fiscally responsible budget that continues tax cuts for hardworking Hoosiers while supporting essential sectors like public safety and housing,” said Thompson, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. “It’s imperative that we strive for maximum efficiency with our tax dollars while continuing to fund crucial services.”
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
Upholding Second Amendment Rights
To protect Hoosiers’ Second Amendment rights, a new law allows courts to expunge records related to Indiana’s red flag law for individuals determined not to be dangerous. It ensures due process and that an individual’s constitutional right to bear arms is not unfairly restricted.
“The right to keep and bear arms is fundamental, and this new law reinforces that constitutional guarantee,” said State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville). “I’ll always defend the Second Amendment and the rights of law-abiding citizens.”
Strengthening Parental Rights
In an effort to strengthen parental rights, a new law safeguards and emphasizes a parent’s authority over their child’s upbringing, religious instruction, education and health care. It also prevents unnecessary government intrusion into these decisions.
“Parents should be involved in the decisions that matter most to their families,” said State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville). “Empowering parents and limiting government interference is essential to ensuring that Hoosiers have the legal protections needed to make decisions about their children’s upbringing without fear of intrusion.”
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.
