INDIANA – During the 2018 legislative session, the Indiana General Assembly passed more than 200 bills into law. Most of these bills either went into effect when signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb or will go into effect July 1.

State Senator John Ford provided us with a list of some of the laws going into effect July 1.

Safety for Motorists

Senate Enrolled Act 100 allows fire departments to provide free vehicular carbon monoxide testing to the owner of a vehicle at the owner’s request.

Crimes that Result in Loss of a Fetus

Senate Enrolled Act 203 allows a perpetrator to be charged with murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter or feticide, depending on the circumstances of the event, for the loss of a fetus at any stage of development.

New State Insect

Following advocacy from West Lafayette fourth graders, Senate Enrolled Act 236 designates Pyractomena angulata, also known as “Say’s Firefly,” as Indiana’s official state insect.

Property Rights

House Enrolled Act 1035 prohibits local governments from enacting ordinances that ban homeowners from using their primary residence as a short-term rental.

For a full list of 2018 legislation, click here.