As area students and teachers prepare to return to the classroom this week, there will be a host of new Indiana state laws awaiting them that went into effect on July 1.
Here's a look at some of the new laws.
Change to textbook fees
Students and families will no longer pay textbook fees under a new law that set aside $160 million to cover the costs of K-12 students attending public school districts or a charter school. Non-public schools will charge for textbooks and devices still.
Expansion to voucher program
The state's voucher program to cover the cost of tuition at a private or religious school has been expanded under a new law that removed eligibility requirements and boosted the income limit for a family of four to $220,000. With the changes, the state has estimated more than 40,000 new students will qualify for a voucher over the next two years.
Changes to 21st Century Scholars Program
A significant change is coming to the state's 21st Century Scholars program as all eligible low income students will be automatically enrolled.
The program covers up to 100 percent of tuition for students attending one of Indiana's public universities or colleges or part of the tuition at a private institution. The law comes after it was discovered half of eligible families were not signing up.
In order to take part and remain eligible, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA and stay out of trouble through high school.
Pronouns and sex education
Schools will now be required to provide written notification to a student's parent or guardian if the student requests to be called by a different name, pronoun, title or word. The notification must take place within five business days of the student's request. In addition, the law blocks teaching sex education in grades pre-k through third.
Anti-bullying measure
Under a new measure, schools will be required to investigate all reports of bullying.
With the new law, parents of a bullying victim must be notified within three business days of the report and parents of the alleged bully within five days. Furthermore, the new measure states if the reports is severe and true, the victim or bully can transfer to a new school.
Armed teachers
A new law will allow teachers an opportunity to carry a firearm in the classroom with several requirements.
Lawmakers approved a bill by Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, that provides state funded firearms training for school personnel, including teachers, who wish to carry a firearm.
The measure is a response to multiple school shootings across the country, according to Lucas.
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