New Indiana Laws Taking Effect July 1 You Should Know
Every year, new laws approved by the Indiana General Assembly take effect on July 1. This year is no exception, with dozens of new laws officially going into effect across the Hoosier State.
Here are some of the biggest changes Indiana residents should know about.
Camping on Public Property Could Become a Crime
One of the most talked-about new laws in Senate Enrolled Act 285 which makes camping, sleeping, or using unauthorized public property for long-term shelter a Class C misdemeanor under certain circumstances.
Before someone can be cited, law enforcement must first determine whether they qualify for emergency detention or available shelter services. Those who refuse available shelter services receive a warning before criminal penalties may be imposed if they remain in the area after 48 hours. The law also includes exemptions when nearby shelter or mental health beds are unavailable.
Supporters say the measure is intended to connect people experiencing homelessness with available services, while critics argue it criminalizes homelessness and doesn't address the underlying causes.
Cellphones Will Be Banned During the Entire School Day
Indiana's new "bell-to-bell" cellphone policy, as outlined in Senate Enrolled Act 78, will require public and charter schools to prohibit students from using personal electronic devices throughout the entire school day.
The rule applies to cellphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, and similar devices unless a student qualifies for specific exceptions, including medical needs or emergencies. Schools will either prohibit the devices or require them to be powered off and stored during the day.
Local Law Enforcement Must Honor ICE Detainer Requests
Senate Enrolled Act 76 requires Indiana law enforcement agencies to comply with federal immigration detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Previously, holding someone beyond their scheduled release was voluntary. Beginning July 1, those requests become mandatory under Indiana law. The legislation has already faced legal challenges, but remains scheduled to take effect.
Public Records Requests Could Change
Public agencies will now be allowed to use additional security measures for public records requests under House Enrolled Act 1360.
Under the new law, agencies may use CAPTCHA verification, require physical address verification, and deny requests believed to be phishing attempts or automated data scraping. Agencies may also prioritize requests from Indiana residents and those submitted by journalistic, academic, civic, or personal use.
Indiana National Guard Can Create a Military Police Force
Another new law allows the Indiana National Guard's adjutant general to establish a military police force under House Enrolled Act 1343.
If authorized by the governor, members of the force would have law enforcement powers, including making arrests, conducting searches, and carrying firearms while operating under the law's guidelines.
Five Other Laws Worth Knowing
A few additional laws taking effect July 1 include:
The age to receive a driver's license has just been reduced by 90 days.
Online sweepstakes games that simulate casino or lottery gambling are now prohibited, under House Enrolled Act 1052, with operators facing fines of up to $100,000.
Indiana bystanders now receive more protection when rescuing an animal from a hot car.
Senate Enrolled Act 140 means that doxing or posting someone's personal information online with the intent to encourage harm or criminal acts is now a criminal offense with enhanced penalties for threats against certain public officials.
Wearing a mask while committing a crime can now be considered an aggravating factor during sentencing, potentially leading to harsher penalties, under Senate Enrolled Act 160.