Cass County legislators highlight new laws now in effect
Last Updated on July 3, 2024 by Cass County Communication Network
Source: News release from Indiana House Republicans
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. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session took effect July 1, including protecting Hoosier farmland. To help protect Indiana’s farmland and food supply chain, individuals or entities associated with foreign adversaries like Russia and China will be banned from purchasing or leasing agricultural land, and mineral, water or riparian rights. China, Russia, North Korea and Iran will also be prevented from purchasing or leasing land within a 10-mile radius of military installations.
“We can’t give up control of critical infrastructure like our farmland to bad actors that seek to harm the United States,” Manning said. “This is a strong step to ensuring we’re doing our due diligence in protecting our food supply chain.”
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) said lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like 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 dedicated their careers to making Indiana a great place to live, work and call home,” said VanNatter, who co-authored the new law. “Whether you’re buying groceries or paying your electric bill, inflation is affecting everyone, and this 13th check will help our retirees stretch their dollars further.”
Manning and VanNatter also highlighted the following new laws:
Public schools will have to allow students to attend faith-based classes off school property during the school week so long as they have parent permission. Before this law, the decision to allow a student to participate was left to the school’s discretion. Schools will work with organizations to find the best time to release students for up to two hours a week.
To help protect Indiana’s elections, officials will have more tools to maintain accurate and up-to-date voter registration lists. Also, proof of citizenship will be required for individuals registering with temporary IDs and first-time voters will be required to provide proof of residency.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.
State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) represents House District 23, which includes portions of Cass and Miami counties.
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38, which includes all of Carroll and Tipton counties, and portions of Cass, Clinton, Howard and Tippecanoe counties.