New State Laws Take Effect in Indiana: Strengthening Public Safety and Supporting Hoosiers

As the 2025 legislative session concluded in April, local lawmakers in Indianapolis are highlighting the new state laws taking effect this summer. State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) stressed that many new laws passed during the session took effect in July, with a focus on strengthening public safety. In response to national trends of cashless bail, defunding the police, or a reluctance to prosecute crimes, Steuerwald emphasized the importance of protecting public safety through the creation of a review board to investigate prosecutors who refuse to enforce laws. The state budget also increases funding for the State Police, a move Steuerwald attributes to lawmakers' efforts to hold accountable those who threaten public safety.

Key Takeaways:

• House Enrolled Act 1006 creates a review board to investigate prosecutors who refuse to enforce laws, ensuring accountability and strengthening public safety.
• The state budget increases funding for the State Police, supporting critical public safety initiatives.
• Indiana's new budget is balanced, maintains the AAA credit rating, and continues state income tax cuts for Hoosiers.
• The budget provides record funding for K-12 schools and expands school choice to all families next year.
• Funding for housing access is boosted to support growing communities, acknowledging the importance of community development.
• State Rep. Greg Steuerwald co-authored the new law strengthening public safety and emphasized the need for prosecutors to enforce laws.
• State Rep. Jeff Thompson, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, highlighted the balanced budget's continued tax cuts for hardworking Hoosiers while supporting essential sectors like public safety and housing.

Statistics:

• 1006: The House Enrolled Act creating a review board to investigate prosecutors who refuse to enforce laws.
• AAA credit rating: The highest rating given to states for their creditworthiness, with Indiana maintaining this status in spite of new budgetary efforts.
• 2024-2025 K-12 school funding: $1.8 billion (record funding) increase, supporting Hoosier education.
• School choice expansion: Hoosier families will have access to expanded school choice initiatives next year, addressing educational diversity.
• Housing access boost: Increased funding for housing access initiatives will support growing communities, ensuring equitable growth.

Sources:

• State Rep. Greg Steuerwald, Statement on New Public Safety Law (no date) via news release from the Indiana House Republican Caucus.
• State Rep. Jeff Thompson, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, news release (no date) regarding the state budget.