LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Legislation passed during the 2025 regular session of the Indiana General Assembly took effect Tuesday.

The new laws address issues such as immigration enforcement and red flag law reform. Here's a look at some of the issues impacting Hoosiers:

Immigration Reporting (HB 1393)

House Bill 1393 requires law enforcement officer to speak up when they arrest an individual for a felony or a misdemeanor and there is probable cause to believe that the individual is not lawfully present in America.

The jail or detention facility must now notify the county sheriff of the probable cause during the individual's intake process. The county sheriff will then notify the proper authority. 

This law comes as several jails across the state, including Clark County, are now accepting federal Immigration & Customs Enforcement detainees. 

Stricter Voter ID Rules (SB 10)

College students can no longer use their student IDs as voter identification under Senate Bill 10.

The law also requires county voter registration offices to act quickly on updates. If officials receive information that prompts changes to a voter’s registration status, such as a death or a move, they must now update the voter list within 48 hours.

The law also affirms that a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the U.S. government qualifies as valid proof of citizenship for voter registration.

Expanded Lifeline Law (SEA 74)

Senate Bill 74 expands Indiana’s Lifeline Law to include immunity for intoxicated minors who require medical assistance.

Originally passed in 2012, the law granted legal protection to underage drinkers who called 911 for help, but not to the person in need of care.

The new law closes that gap, offering legal immunity to both parties to encourage emergency calls.

Red Flag Record Expungement (HEA 1137)

Red flag laws allow law enforcement to take guns away from people officers believe are a threat to themselves or others, even if a crime hasn't been committed.

Under this revised law, individuals previously barred from owning firearms can petition to have their records expunged and gun rights restored, if a judge determines they are no longer a danger.

Mandatory DNA Collection in Felony Arrests (SB 120)

Sheriffs are now required to collect DNA samples from individuals arrested for felonies.

Refusing to provide a sample is classified as a Class C misdemeanor under Senate Bill 120.

County Police Pension Transparency (SB 144)

Outside of Marion County, police departments, or their designees, must now make annual presentations to their county councils on the status of their police force pension trust and fund.

Unlawful Discrimination (SEA 289)

Senate Enrolled Act 289 bans state agencies and health profession licensing boards from funding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

It also prohibits preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ancestry, national origin or religion in hiring, scholarships and other decisions.

Some colleges began scaling back DEI programs months ago in preparation of this law.

Dental Practice and Licensing Reform (HB 1031)

This law allows new enforcement measures against unlicensed dentistry and permits dentists to delegate x-ray duties in certain correctional settings without direct supervision.

It also clarifies the roles of physicians in dental anesthetic administration and updates regulatory language for licensed dentists.

Encroachment on Law Enforcement (HB 1122)

House Bill 1122 authorizes officers to order individuals to stay back if they come within 25 feet during law enforcement duties.

Anyone who knowingly approaches after being told not to may be charged with unlawful encroachment. That's a Class C misdemeanor.

Lawmakers said the measure is designed to protect officers’ ability to do their jobs without interference.

Lab-Grown Meat Ban (HB 1425)

Lab-grown meat is off the table in Indiana, for now. A two-year moratorium bans its production and sale.

Once the ban ends in 2027, such products must carry clear labels stating “THIS IS AN IMITATION MEAT PRODUCT.”

For a full list of laws going into effect, click here.

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