161 state laws to take effect July 1

Beginning July 1, 161 new laws passed by the Indiana General Assembly and signed by Gov. Mitch Daniels will go into effect in Indiana.

The changes in state law will impact a variety of issues. Here is a list of several key changes:

Senate Enrolled Act 267
Also known as “Erin’s Law,” this law is intended to prevent sexual abuse. The Department of Education will be required to work with the Department of Child Services and other organizations to provide public schools with a curriculum for school officials, teachers and children about sexual abuse, as well as how to report suspected sexual abuse of students.

House Enrolled Act 1149
The statewide smoking ban will have little effect on the people of Monroe County due to the stricter local smoking ordinances in effect since 2005, according to the Monroe County Health Department.

The law will ban smoking in most public places, including restaurants. Smoking will be banned within 8 feet of a public entrance. All businesses, workplaces and public places must have appropriate signage, including two signs inside stating that no smoking is allowed and a sign outside each public entrance stating that no smoking is allowed within 8 feet of the entrance.

However, the first statewide ban on smoking in Indiana exempts bars and taverns, private and fraternal clubs, established cigar and hookah bars and gaming facilities.

House Enrolled Act 1269
The “Health Care Compact” for state-controlled health care law will allow Indiana to join other states in a national “health care compact,” which allows individual states to take over the federal Medicaid program.

The compact would also allow member states of the compact to supersede all federal laws, regulations and orders concerning health care.
In order for the compact to take effect, consent is required from Congress.

House Enrolled Act 1005
The nepotism and conflict of interest positions in local government law prohibits public workers from hiring family members. Firefighters, police officers, park officials and other municipal employees will also be prevented from serving an elected position on a county council or board of commissioners that sets agency budgets and salaries.

House Enrolled Act 1250
This law also aims to deter nepotism and conflicts of interest by prohibiting state employees from working in the same agency as a relative if that family member is in direct line of supervision or is the appointing authority of the agency.

House Enrolled Act 1003
The public meetings law will allow public access to state agency meetings conducted by electronic communication.

Senate Enrolled Act 154
The boating while under the influence law will make operating a boat while under the influence of a schedule I or II controlled substance, such as heroin or cocaine, a Class C misdemeanor, bringing the penalty in line with automobile laws.

Senate Enrolled Act of 274
Indiana’s Lifeline Bill addresses issues related to alcohol consumption on college campuses across the country by providing immunity from certain alcohol-related charges to callers seeking emergency assistance for another person needing medical help.

Immunity will be provided to callers in instances of public intoxication or underage possession, consumption or transportation of an alcoholic beverage.

Excluded from immunity include those who drive under the influence of alcohol, are in possession of drugs or who act disorderly with emergency personnel.

House Enrolled Act 1141
The low-income utility assistance law aims to provide more affordable energy for low-income families, dedicating $28.8 million in mortgage foreclosure settlement funds to aid families who rely on assistance from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to pay for their energy bills.

— Mark Keierleber

Source: Indiana Senate Democrats