A new batch of state laws go into effect July 1.
Though some legislation took effect immediately upon receiving the Governor’s signature, like the legalization of Sunday alcohol sales, most didn’t start until Sunday.
Among those taking effect are:
You can’t get an eyeball tattoo in Indiana.
You can bring sunscreen to school. The law will allow students to carry and apply their own sunscreen without having to have a doctor’s note.
Indiana Silver Alerts will include the category “Missing Endangered Child“.
The Say’s firefly will become the official state insect.
Dealers who sell drugs that kill people will get longer sentences: a Level 1 felony if the drug is cocaine, methamphetamine or a Schedule I, II or III controlled substance; a Level 2 felony if the drug is a Schedule IV controlled substance; a Level 3 felony if the drug is a Schedule V controlled substance, a synthetic drug or a synthetic drug lookalike.
Interscholastic and intramural coaches to complete a certified education class teaching the prevention of and response to heat-related medical issues that could arise from an athlete’s training.
Newborns will now be screened for spinal muscular atrophy and severe combined immunodeficiency.
Crimes of murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter and feticide have been redefined. A person who commits a felony that results in the termination of a pregnancy may receive an additional sentence of six to 20 years.
Murder is no longer a bailable offense if the state proves that proof is evident or presumption strong by a preponderance of the evidence.
Coroners have to report deaths from suspected overdoses to the Indiana Department of Health, along with information about the overdosed substance.
Foster homes can now have six foster children. Previously the limit was five.
The Department of Natural Resources will now limit fishing to 200 yards within a dam that crosses a stream, river or waterway. Previously it was 300 yards.
New motor vehicle restrictions require white or amber headlights and two red brake lights. License plates must be white and have backup lights that are white or amber.
Notary laws will be updated, increasing the size of the bond notaries must have, adds training and allows higher fees for services.
A new sex education law will allow parents to review curriculum and “opt out” their children from such classes. The law will also require public schools to make two attempts to notify parents in advance of planned sex education classes.
A new state law will help students with dyslexia get the help they need by requiring early screening for dyslexia in every school in the state.
A law passed this year allows people to rent out their primary homes, like on Airbnb. But municipalities are allowed to pass restrictions on secondary homes, such as requiring a permit to rent, or adopting noise and nuisance ordinances. Homeowners associations are also allowed to restrict short-term rentals. Municipalities that had short-term rental ordinances on the books before Jan 1, 2018, are exempted from the law.
Indiana’s “Purple Paint Law” is now in effect. It gives landowners an alternative to “No Trespassing” signs. Instead, property owners can now mark their private property by painting vertical, purple lines on trees or posts surrounding the property.
A new trail access law will limit liability for homeowners who allow others to walk through their yards to gain access to the trails.
A bill to prevent bullying in Indiana school as become a law. It encourages schools to report bullying to the Indiana Department of Education by ensuring the reports do not affect a school corporation’s overall performance grade given by the state. It will also allow the Indiana Department of Education to audit schools to ensure they’re reporting bullying correctly.
