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 Representative for Zionsville Becky Cash said most new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session took effect July 1, including increasing Indiana’s teacher pipeline. Hoosiers who want to make a career switch and go into teaching will be able to apply for Transition to Teaching Scholarships. To be eligible for a one-time, non-renewable scholarship of up to $10,000, applicants pursuing a transition to teaching certification must have a bachelor’s degree, agree to obtain an initial practitioner license and teach in Indiana for at least five years.
“Like many other states and other industries, we’re facing a shortage of educators,” said Cash, who serves as a member of the House Education Committee. “Providing scholarships to Hoosiers who are enrolled in transition to teaching certification programs is a common sense move to boost our talent pipeline and support our students and schools.”
State Representative for Lizton Jeff Thompson said lawmakers took action on a wide range of hot-button issues this year like expanding work-based learning. More Hoosier high school students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account to pursue internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities. The $5,000 scholarship covers certain expenses like training, career coaching, driver’s education, certification and credentialing exams.
“No matter what path young Hoosiers pursue after high school, providing them with more opportunities to explore careers is beneficial to them and our state,” said Thompson, who co-authored the new law. “These scholarships could open more doors for students to discover their passion and be better positioned for the workforce after graduation.”
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
Boosting Student Reading Proficiency
Currently, 1 in 5 Hoosier third graders struggle to read. Data shows that individuals with low literacy earn less money, have poorer health and go to prison at higher rates than their peers. To improve reading rates, the state will strengthen its remediation efforts and offer more targeted classroom support starting in second grade. Schools will also be required to offer summer courses to help with reading beginning this year.
“Reading is such a critical skill for all Hoosier students,” State Representative for Carmel Donna Schaibley said. “Providing targeted support for students who need the most help in improving their reading will better prepare these learners for future success.”
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.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.