STATEHOUSE (March 8, 2024) – "Today, we concluded the 2024 legislative session during which the General Assembly passed bills that will aid all Indiana residents, especially young Hoosiers.
"I am pleased that Senate Enrolled Act 1, a priority bill which I authored, has made its way to the governor's desk. SEA 1, which I refer to as the Every Child Learns to Read bill, would ensure Hoosier students get the best reading education by providing Science of Reading instruction, committing to early detection and remediation for students not reading at their grade level and, as a last resort, retaining those students in third grade who are not reading well enough to move on to the fourth grade. Literacy is a vital skill that everyone should have and this legislation will help our students achieve that.
"In addition, I authored Senate Enrolled Act 146, which aims to broaden employment opportunities for minors. The provisions remove certain administrative burdens from business owners and streamlines reporting requirements that will result in a more clear and accurate Youth Employment Registration System. The bill further places Indiana in line with 43 other states as it relates to allowing 18-year-olds more meaningful employment opportunities.
"I also authored Senate Enrolled Act 149, which addresses the issue of tobacco use by minors in Indiana. SEA 149 would close loopholes and update Indiana's licensing and enforcement of laws on tobacco businesses. This bill strengthens Indiana's existing laws to make sure businesses don't sell these products to underage Hoosiers.
"The legislation we passed this session will further improve education and protect our young Hoosiers. I'm grateful for my fellow legislators and the work they have done on behalf of Hoosiers across the state. I look forward to working on more legislation next year to help Hoosiers in Senate District 11."
-30-
State Sen. Linda Rogers (R-Granger) represents Senate District 11,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Emma Balzer, Senior Press Secretary
Emma.Balzer@iga.in.gov
317-232-7184
Leah Tanner, Press Secretary Intern
Leah.Tanner@iga.in.gov
