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Vanderburgh County lawmakers highlight new Indiana laws now in effect
Local Sources– Vanderburgh County lawmakers said Hoosiers should be aware of several new and notable state laws, which are now in effect.
"Whether it's protecting the sanctity of life or giving parents a voice in their children's education, we continued to fight hard for Hoosier families," said State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka). "These new laws reflect our desire to listen to the people and represent their interests at the Statehouse."
From the lawmakers, Hoosiers should be aware of several new laws, which were passed during the 2022 legislative session and took effect on July 1:
Empowering Hoosier Parents
When it comes to education, input and ideas from parents, students, teachers and community members are important. Now, school boards will have to allow time for public comments at all open meetings, ensuring parents' voices are heard.
"Our education system works best when it engages everyone from the community," said State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville), author of the law. "Over the last year we saw some school boards in other areas of the state shutdown public discussion. That's unacceptable. Parents deserve a seat at the table when it comes to decisions being made about their child's education. This new law is meant to empower parents and ensure they have opportunities to speak up."
Increasing Election Security
Indiana will double its number of election audits after each general election. All Indiana electronic voting machines will be required to be equipped with a voter-verifiable paper audit trail by the 2024 election. Every voter will be able to verify their ballot on a printout before casting their vote. This step will offer assurances that electronically recorded votes are accurate. O'Brien co-authored this law.
To improve outcomes for troubled youth, a new juvenile justice oversight body, created by this new law, will begin crafting a plan for nonviolent juvenile offenders to receive counseling for mental health and behavioral issues rather than being incarcerated or placed in detention. The oversight body will also develop ways for youth offenders to be screened and connected to resources to reduce their likelihood of reoffending. The body will also make funding recommendations to be considered in the next legislative session.
"This ongoing work to create better outcomes for Hoosier youth will have a tremendous impact on our communities," said State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville), author of the law. "Nonviolent youth who commit minor offenses should no longer be locked up. We can instead connect them to programs to get them on the right track."
Young victims of traumatic and certain violent crimes will be able to submit a video statement for court procedures to protect them from further harm. Penalties against human traffickers will be enhanced and public safety efforts will be strengthened to prevent human trafficking crimes. McNamara sponsored this law.
Indiana will join 18 other states that provide protections to women and their unborn babies from coerced abortions. A person who coerces a pregnant woman to terminate their pregnancy could be charged with a felony, and abortion clinics will be held accountable if they fail to report coercion to law enforcement.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.
*Photo Courtesy of WIBC*