A series of new Indiana state laws went into effect July 1 as the Regular Session of the General Assembly ended. Indiana residents will have a few new guidelines to follow.
THE SMOKING BAN
One of the most widely debated and publicized laws in the state finally passed after six years of legislative wrangling. The smoking ban covers all businesses in Indiana except for bars, casinos, horse-racing facilities, retail tobacco shops and hookah bars and private clubs. Businesses covered by the policy must remove all ashtrays and post signs stating smoking is prohibited within 8 feet of an entrance. The Indiana House had approved smoking ban bills in five previous sessions only to see the Senate ignore it until this year. Supporters said the law passed was too watered down and they hope the legislature will someday make it more restrictive. Opponents said business owners should have the right to decide whether to allow smoking.
THE CONCUSSION LAW
The law requires schools to remove student-athletes suspected of sustaining a concussion from play or practice immediately and not allow them to return until they have written clearance from a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions. Schools also must inform and educate high school coaches, student athletes and parents on the nature and risk of concussions, including the risks of playing before being healed. The Indiana law covers only high school sports because there is no governing body for middle school sports or youth sports to oversee its implementation. The Indiana High School Athletic Association has been charged with making sure high schools know the law.
THE CUSTODY LAW
The custody law changes the age at which noncustodial parents can stop making child support payments to 19, instead of the current 21, unless the child is disabled. The Department of Child Services said the law applies only to court orders issued in Indiana and doesn't affect orders for educational support.
THE SELF-DEFENSE LAW
Indiana residents will be protected by a new self-defense law that said they can use force if they reasonably believe it's necessary to protect themselves, someone else or their own property from unlawful actions by a public servant. The law is in response to a public uproar after the state Supreme Court ruled last year that residents couldn't resist officers even during an illegal entry.
THE NEPOTISM LAW
The state also has a new nepotism law that said government employees will no longer be allowed to hire or promote their relatives or have direct supervision over them. The law exempts some people who already have jobs. The law also states that local government agencies can't enter into or renew contracts in which the contractor is a relative of a council member or mayor.
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