INDIANA – New state laws supporting Hoosiers and backed by State Reps. Chris May (R-Bedford) and Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) during the 2023 legislative session are now in effect.
“Helping Hoosiers keep more of their money was a top priority this session,” May said. “Our state’s strong fiscal position allows us to keep taxes low while funding essential services and investing in the future.”
Most legislation passed during the recent session took effect at the beginning of the state’s new fiscal year on July 1.
Under the state’s newly passed state budget, taxpayers are expected to save an estimated $430 million over the next two years via tax relief passed during the legislative session. Thanks to the acceleration of individual state income tax cuts, hardworking Hoosiers will have one of the lowest rates in the nation by 2027. Indiana’s K-12 spending makes up about half of the state’s $44.6 billion budget, and lawmakers supported increasing student funding by 10% over the next two years. In addition, Bartels co-authored legislation that was included in the state budget to eliminate textbook and curricular fees for parents.
“It’s important we continue providing a solid education for future generations,” Bartels said. “And with inflation cutting into everyone’s budgets, the elimination of textbook and curricular fees will bring some needed financial relief for Hoosier families.”
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
Improving Mental Health Services
To increase access and availability of quality care, Indiana will launch a new statewide infrastructure for mental health services through House Enrolled Act 1001, including expanding the number of behavioral health clinics. The 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline will expand through Senate Enrolled Act 1, which Bartels co-sponsored, to ensure Hoosiers in crisis have someone to call, somewhere to go and someone to respond during an emergency.
Providing Tax Relief for HomeownersProperty tax dollars are collected and spent locally, and help pay for schools, police and fire protection, and other local government services. To help counter the rise in local property tax bills, the state took actions to provide about $100 million in property tax relief for homeowners beginning next year. Hoosiers can expect a temporary increase to the supplemental homestead tax deduction and additional limits on property tax levy growth.
Maintaining Election SecurityTo ensure the absentee vote-by-mail process is as secure as voting in person, when submitting an absentee ballot application, voters will need to include a form of ID, like the last four digits of their Social Security number and either a driver’s license number, state ID number or voter registration number. Voters can also submit a photocopy of their driver’s license or an ID card for non-drivers.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws now in effect.
