Starting Thursday, new gun and alcohol laws hit the books in Indiana. The following is a recap of some of the laws going into effect.
Gun Law
Workers can start bringing guns to work as long as they are locked inside the workers' vehicles and out of plain sight.
There are several exceptions to the law including school property, child care facilities, domestic violence shelters, a person's residence and public utilities. The law also prohibits the confiscation of lawfully held firearms during declared disaster emergencies.
Businesses also can't adopt policies prohibiting workers from legally possessing a firearm in their locked vehicles.
Alcohol Laws
Whether you're 21 or 71 prepare to have your ID ready if you are getting ready to purchase alcohol for the Fourth of July weekend or beyond.
A new state law that goes into effect Thursday mandates that all those seeking to purchase carry out alcohol orders must have a license or state ID with their proof of age and photograph on it.
Those who sell alcohol to someone without asking for an ID can face a class B misdemeanor charge.
A microbrewery may sell carry out of not more than 576 ounces, or 48 12-ounce containers, on Sunday if the beer is produced on site. So while Warsaw's Lake City Taphouse sells microbrews since it is made in Fort Wayne, the restaurant can't sell carry out on Sundays.
Those who serve alcohol are required to complete a training program no latter than 120 days after the person begins employment. Employees then must go through refresher courses every three years.
Owners and managers must complete refresher training every five years.
There are no longer restrictions on serving or selling alcohol on election days.
Starting Thursday, bars and restaurants can serve alcohol on primary and general election days.
Also bars and restaurants can be open on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday.
Previously the hours were set from 10 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Teen Driving
Teens now have to wait until they are 16 years and six months rather than 16 years and one month before getting a probationary license.
Teens who don't take drivers ed can get a learner's permit at age 16 and a probationary license at 16 years and nine months.
Teen drivers will have to wait a while longer to get on the road.
A new state law sets the age for a learner's permit at 15 years and six months instead of 15.
For teens who don't take driver's education, they will have to wait until they are 16 to obtain a learner's permit and must be 16 and nine months before getting a probationary license.
Another new law aims to get more people to pay child support they owe. Welfare recipients could risk losing their benefits if they don't cooperate with prosecutors trying to collect child support, and casinos will withhold winnings from those who are behind on child support payments.
