Legislators Talk New State Laws

With the 2025 legislative session concluding in April, local lawmakers are highlighting some of the new state laws taking effect this summer.

State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) said many new laws passed during session took effect in July, including a new law supporting students in agriculture.

4-H and FFA provide students with invaluable experiences that build leadership, responsibility and real-world skills. Indiana students in good academic standing will receive up to six excused absences per school year to attend 4-H and FFA events that help prepare our next generation for jobs in agriculture and beyond.

“Indiana has a long and rich agricultural history, and this new law allows Hoosier students to fully engage in these programs while maintaining good academic standing,” said Baird, who authored the new law. “Supporting students who are interested in agriculture and farming prepares them to continue Indiana’s success for future generations.”

State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) said lawmakers took action on a variety of issues impacting Hoosiers this year, including delivering property tax relief.

Commons said through a combination of credits and reforms in Senate Enrolled Act 1, Hoosier homeowners will save $1.3 billion in property taxes over the next three years. A majority of homeowners will have a lower bill in 2026 than they did in 2025. Fixed-income seniors, farmers and Hoosier small businesses will also see additional savings.

“Homeowners, farmers and seniors will all benefit from the changes made to the property tax system,” Commons said. “This law will let Hoosiers keep more of their hard-earned money and create a better system for taxpayers going forward.”

Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:

Safeguarding Hoosier TaxpayersIndiana’s budget is balanced, maintains Indiana’s AAA credit rating, funds critical priorities and continues state income tax cuts for Hoosiers. The budget provides the most ever funding for K-12 schools and expands school choice to all families next year. It boosts funding for public safety and housing access to support growing communities.

“House Republicans worked diligently to pass yet another balanced, fiscally responsible budget that continues tax cuts for hardworking Hoosiers while supporting essential sectors like public safety and housing,” said State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. “It’s imperative that we strive for maximum efficiency with our tax dollars while continuing to fund crucial services.”

Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws.

Baird represents House District 44, which includes all of Putnam County and a portion of Montgomery County. Commons represents House District 13, which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties. And Thompson represents House District 28,
which includes portions of Boone, Hendricks and Montgomery counties.