New Indiana laws on teen workers, happy hours take effect Sunday

Sunday not only starts a new fiscal year for Indiana, but it is also the day several laws passed by the state’s General Assembly earlier this year will take effect.

One high-profile measure that will become official is House Bill 1086, which will allow bars across the state to hold happy hours for the first time in nearly 40 years. However, legislation covering child labor, veteran safety, farmland sales, teacher recruitment and other issues will also be applied.

House Bill 1093 puts Indiana standards on par with federal guidelines for teenage workers. Starting Sunday, 14- and 15-year-old Hoosiers will be able to work past 7 p.m. local time during the summer with parental permission. Also, there will be no time restrictions placed on 16- and 17-year-old workers.

“During my teenage years, I took great pride in the experience and opportunities I earned from working,” HB 1093 sponsor state Rep. Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer, said back in January after the House passed his bill. “By updating our laws, we can give more young Hoosiers the opportunity to learn new and useful skills outside the classroom while also making sure they’re protected.”

House Bill 1021 creates a “Green Alert,” designed to help Indiana law enforcement and other first responders locate veterans and active military personnel, including National Guard and reservists, who are either missing or considered at-risk.

Under the new law, the Indiana State Police could issue such alerts within 48 hours of them being reported missing.

State Rep. Stephen Bartels, the Eckerty Republican who co-authored the bill, said the Green Alert system will be an important “safety net” for those who have served or are serving the country.

“Our veterans have served Hoosiers in tremendous ways, and this new alert system could lead to lifesaving care for those needing help,” he said.

Lawmakers also passed House Bill 1183, which precludes foreign adversaries from buying or leasing farmland and mineral or water rights within the state. The bill also prevents them from buying or leasing any real estate that’s within 10 miles of a military installation.

Indiana’s public retirees will also see an extra benefit coming their way. The legislature approved a 13th check for retired teachers, police officers and other public-sector workers. The average additional check meant to help retirees handle increases in cost-of-living expenses will be around $360.

Hoosier workers who are considering a new career as a teacher will also now be eligible to apply for a one-time $10,000 scholarship to help them gain their certification. Those interested must already have their bachelor’s degree, receive their first license and agree to teach in the state for at least five years.