New laws taking effect in Indiana on July 1

(INDIANAPOLIS) – Several new state laws that were passed during the legislative session go into effect on Wednesday, July 1. Here’s what is changing:

Animal Abuse and Neglect  (House Bill 1165)

If you see an animal in a hot car, you can rescue the animal and not have to pay damages to the car. The rescuer must follow specific guidelines which includes calling 9-1-1 before forcibly entering the vehicle and staying there until responders arrive. 

The new law also increases penalties for animal abuse to felonies in specific circumstances. 

Immigration Enforcement (Senate Bill 76) 

Requires Indiana government bodies to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

Employers can face civil penalties if they knowingly hire or recruit an undocumented immigrant. Also prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee who communicates with the Attorney General in regard to immigration matters. 

Local State Senator Jeff Raatz was a co-author of the bill and State Rep. Garrett Bascom was a sponsor.

Doxxing (Senate Bill 140) 

It is now illegal to put someone’s personal information on a social media platform if there is intent to cause physical harm, property damage, or cause a crime. 

Local State Reps. Garrett Bascom and Alex Zimmerman, along with State Senator Jean Leising, were involved in this legislation. Sen. Leising dealt with a pipe bomb threat last year.

Police Enforcement in Hidden Valley (House Bill 1155) 

The measure allows local law enforcement to enforce laws within private communities that have at least 1,500 lots and at least 15 miles of private roadway. 

Hidden Valley Lake is one of only 3 communities in Indiana that is currently impacted by this new law. Dearborn County deputies will be patrolling HVL as soon as July 1 on scheduled shifts. 

This was co-authored by local State Rep. Garrett Bascom and State Senator Randy Maxwell was a sponsor of the bill.

Driving (House Bill 1200) 

Teenagers in Indiana can now get their driver’s license at 16 years of age. The minimum age was previously 16 years and 90 days. 

Also requires an individual to demonstrate sufficient proficiency of the English language to operate a commercial motor vehicle.  

Sexual Grooming (Senate Bill 119) 

An adult who communicates with a child they believe to be less than 14, with the intent of conditioning them for future sexual activity, could be subject to the new crime of Sexual Grooming. 

Child Supervision (HEA 1036) 

A parent or guardian who permits a child to engage in independent activity, such as playing outdoors or staying home alone, cannot be subject to Indiana DCS unless the activity endangers the child’s health or safety, given the child's maturity, condition, and ability. 

Child Services (HEA 1357) 

Requires an employee at a child welfare program, daycare, group home or child-placing facility to undergo a background check once every four years. 

Phones In School (Senate Bill 78) 

The law requires each school corporation to adopt a policy that, with limited exceptions, prohibits student use of personal wireless devices during the school day and mandates either a no-device or structured storage approach.

It does have exceptions for certain students. This bill was authored by State Senator Jeff Raatz (R-District 27). Read more here.

Food Vendors and Farmers (House Bill 1424) 

Food vendors and farmers are exempt from health regulations from local governments and health departments, as long as they are in compliance with federal law.  

It defines a “small farm” as as land used for producing crops or livestock with less than $1.5M in gross sales per year of livestock or crop-related products. Around 90% of Indiana farms could meet the bill’s definition of a “small farm.” 

Online Sweepstakes Games (House Bill 1052)

This measure prohibits “Sweepstakes Games” online such as contests and promotions that simulate casino-style gaming for monetary value. That would be internet-based poker, online slot machines and other games that are not offered by the state lottery commission. Operators could be subject to a $100,000 fine

This was co-authored by local State Rep. Garrett Bascom.

Military Police (HB 1343) 

Allows for the establishment of a military police force through the Indiana National Guard which can be called to state active duty by the governor, specifically for times of emergency and disaster. 

SNAP Benefit Changes (Senate Bill 1) 

Prohibits SNAP recipients from using SNAP benefits to purchase candy and soft drinks. 

Homelessness (Senate Bill 285) 

Makes it illegal to camp or sleep on public land unless that use is specifically authorized. A person must first receive a warning and information about available services. If that person is deemed not mentally ill and remains in that same location after 48 hours, they could be subject to arrest, $500 fine and up to two months in jail, if they refuse temporary housing. 

Wearing A Mask During a Crime (Senate Bill 160) 

Makes wearing a mask during a crime a sentencing aggravator and could lead to harsher punishment.