State Rep. Jack Jordan highlights new education laws as Hoosier students head back to school

As Hoosier students return to classrooms across Indiana this month, State Representative Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) is highlighting a slate of new education laws and programs now in effect aimed at reducing classroom distractions, cutting red tape for schools, and expanding career learning opportunities.

Jordan said the measures, passed during the last legislative session, build on previous efforts to strengthen Indiana's education system.

"Every August, Hoosier kids head back to school and into classrooms across the state," Jordan said. "This year, several new laws and programs are in effect to help students stay focused in the classroom and expand career learning opportunities."

Among the new measures is Senate Enrolled Act 78, which requires schools to prohibit students from using wireless communication devices during the school day in an effort to reduce classroom distractions and keep students focused on learning.

The law still allows teachers to use school-provided devices for lessons, and includes reasonable exemptions for emergencies and medical needs. Those provisions are designed to give schools the flexibility to develop their own device policies as needed.

House Republicans also took steps to reduce the number of regulations schools must navigate through House Enrolled Act 1004, allowing educators to focus more on teaching. Additionally, lawmakers passed new social media protections for Hoosier minors.

Another new law extends worker protections to students participating in work-based learning programs, building on previous efforts to strengthen experiential learning in Indiana.

"Another new law builds off our previous efforts to strengthen experiential learning in Indiana by extending worker protections to students participating in work-based learning programs," Jordan said.

In closing, Jordan wished all Hoosier students, parents, and teachers a fun, safe, and impactful start to the school year.

"Investing in learning today leads to brighter futures tomorrow," he said.