Bascom: New Laws Take Effect July 1

State Rep. Bascom authored or co-authored four bills that have become law.

Garrett Bascom.

INDIANAPOLIS – Most new laws passed during the 2025 legislative session are effective as of today, July 1.

That includes four laws that were authored or co-authored by State Rep. Garrett Bascom (R-Lawrenceburg).

Combating Illegal Immigration

To enhance public safety, a new law will require county sheriffs to report individuals arrested for a misdemeanor or felony offense to federal authorities if there is probable cause to believe the individual is in the country unlawfully. It aligns with federal efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement. 

Holding Unlicensed Drivers Accountable

A new law will enhance the maximum penalty to a Level 5 or 6 felony if an unlicensed driver causes bodily injury, catastrophic injury or death in an accident, which could discourage unlicensed individuals from driving and putting Hoosiers at risk.

Supporting Pro-Bono Services

Currently, there is a $1 fee collected by the courts that goes toward helping screen and train pro-bono attorneys that is set to expire on July 1, 2025. To continue ensuring Hoosiers' access to pro-bono legal services, a new law will remove the sunset clause on this $1 fee.

Expanding Health Care Employee Eligibility

To address Indiana's need for more healthcare workers, a new law will allow health care facilities to hire those convicted of a felony offense relating to a controlled substance within the past five years as a nurse aide or unlicensed employee as long as they have become licensed as a peer recovery coach in the state of Indiana.