Several new Indiana laws took effect July 1, including :
Funding Hoosier Priorities
Indiana’s next two-year, $37 billion state budget reduces taxpayer-funded debt by over $1 billion, and provides opportunities for future tax cuts and reforms. House Enrolled Act 1001 funds critical government services and proven programs while making historic investments in K-12 education, broadband and economic development.
Supporting Lawful Gun Owners
Lawful Hoosier gun owners will no longer pay a fee to obtain a lifetime license to carry a handgun thanks to the passage of House Enrolled Act 1001. Hoosiers can visit IN.gov/ISP to apply for a free five-year or lifetime license, or renew current permits. The process to legally purchase a handgun remains the same.
Protecting In-Person Worship
Religious gatherings are defined as essential, and Senate Enrolled Act 263 ensures the government cannot restrict the right to worship in-person during public emergencies. Other church services like food pantries, daycare or educational classes can also not be more restricted than other essential services.
Strengthening Civics Education
A 2020 poll found only 51% of U.S. adults could name the three branches of government. While high school seniors often take a government class, through House Enrolled Act 1384 middle school students will complete a semester-long civics education course to learn about their government and how to be engaged voters.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.
IU rededicates Lilly Library, unveils Reading Room murals
Indiana University’s Lilly Library, home to significant rare-book collections and literary artifacts, will reopen in August after wrapping up a full-scale renovation that reimagined the iconic facility’s interior to meet the needs of modern scholars. Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie rededicated the internationally renowned Lilly Library to service in the university’s third century, noting its role as a center for scholarship long responsible for enhancing the reputation of IU. The renovation was made possible by grants from Lilly Endowment Inc.
As the Lilly Library approached its 60th anniversary, it became clear that increased interest, use, and appreciation of its ever-increasing collections of rare books, manuscripts and literary artifacts required upgrades and reconfiguration of its 52,516-square-foot limestone building on Indiana University’s Fine Arts Plaza. Following its initial gift, Lilly Endowment announced additional support in early 2020 to fund the commission of an inspirational cycle of murals as part of the renovation. Artists were invited to imagine a new visual centerpiece for the Lilly Library. Selected muralist Ralph Gilbert unveiled his Reading Room masterpiece at the June rededication.
The Lilly Library now holds more than 450,000 rare books, 8.5 million manuscripts, the world’s largest collection of mechanical puzzles and 150,000 pieces of sheet music. Lilly Library staff and professional library movers are now halfway through moving these important collections back into the building. The library will remain closed through Aug. 2, when the public galleries will open and present the retrospective exhibition titled, “The Eye, the Mind, and the Imagination: The Collectors of the Lilly Library.” The Reading Room will open a few weeks later; appointments are required.