Davisson highlights new Indiana laws effective July 1
State Rep. Steve Davisson (R-Salem) said Hoosiers should be aware of several new state laws effective July 1, including the state budget and those supporting broadband expansion, mental health and youth agriculture programs.
“These laws will continue to move Indiana forward and our new state budget reflects our priorities, which range from education to public health,” Davisson said. “We also made an unprecedented investment in expanding broadband access, which has been a critical issue in rural communities like ours. We also made great strides to ensure Hoosiers who are struggling with their mental health can find treatment and support.”
Davisson highlighted several new and notable laws:
Expanding Broadband Access
Indiana’s next two-year, $37 billion state budget reduces taxpayer-funded debt by over $1 billion and provides opportunities for future tax cuts and reforms. House Enrolled Act 1001 also funds critical government services and proven programs, and invests $250 million to expand reliable and affordable internet service, especially in unserved and underserved areas. House Enrolled Act 1449, which was effective upon passage, prioritizes internet access for Hoosier schools, students, and health care clinics in rural communities.
Prioritizing Students, Teachers
K-12 education will also receive a historic, $1.9 billion increase in funding over the next two years to support students and teacher pay raises through House Enrolled Act 1001. House Enrolled Act 1008 establishes a new, $150 million grant program to support students who are at risk of falling behind or scored below academic standards because of disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Establishing A New Crisis Hotline
Under House Enrolled Act 1468, which Davisson authored, a 988 crisis hotline will help callers, including those considering suicide, in real-time with the ability to deploy mobile crisis teams. These teams will provide onsite community-based intervention, including de-escalation, stabilization, and treatment.
Supporting Local Ag Students
Students gaining valuable experience in agricultural education programs like the FFA will be able to continue selling their products like lettuce and pork to their school cafeterias thanks to House Enrolled Act 1119, authored by Davisson. A state procurement process for vendors that sell products to schools will be waived so students can sell up to $7,500 worth of goods to a school.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.
