Lack of affordable and accessible child care affects thousands of Hoosier families. And according to the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, child care issues cost the state more than $1 billion in tax revenue each year. One advocacy group is working to increase child care access across the state.

While the vast majority of new laws passed each year take effect on July 1, some measures go into effect much later.

Foster youth and emancipated minors in Indiana are now able to open their own bank accounts without parental consent. One advocate said the new law will help many teenagers learn how to manage their money.

Public Indiana colleges and universities will eliminate 19 percent of their degree programs to meet requirements added to the state’s budget, according to the Commission for Higher Education.

Gov. Mike Braun was given slightly more expansive authority this year to explore tolling Indiana’s interstate highways.

Up to 40 middle and upper management positions could be eliminated as the Indiana Department of Child Services said it aims to devote more resources to frontline services.

A property tax case heard by the Indiana Supreme Court this week could have a huge impact on local government and school finances — and, some worry, throw the state’s property tax assessment system into chaos.

Gov. Mike Braun created a new task force to address Indiana’s growing demand for energy — largely driven by AI data centers, new manufacturing plants and electric vehicles. But consumers — who will be paying for the things needed to meet that demand — don’t have a seat at the table.

The public currently has a chance to weigh in on a proposed rule by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles to ban people from changing the gender marker on their driver’s license.

Despite being the incumbent, this is the Republican’s first run for the office — Nieshalla was appointed by Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2023.