UPDATE (April 24, 2025):
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ADAMS) – A bill being considered by Indiana lawmakers now contains language that could criminalize being homeless.
House Bill 1041 includes wording that would make sleeping on public property a Class C misdemeanor, which could lead to 60 days in jail or a $50 fine for those convicted of the offense.
The bill was previously part of a larger effort to address the unhoused population in Indiana, but now primarily focuses on consecutive sentencing for offenders convicted of misdemeanors.
The bill has been sharply criticized. Supporters say they have a goal of getting people help, not putting them in jail. The bill needs to be passed by the Senate again before going to Governor Braun.
Read more HERE
State Sen. La Keisha Jackson (D-Indianapolis) issued the following response to the revival of language in House Bill (HB) 1014 that would criminalize homelessness by banning individuals from staying in public areas.
“Placing homeless individuals in jail is not solving the problem,” Jackson said. “A real solution would involve funding low-barrier shelters, offering accessible mental health services, creating collaborative outreach programs and funding transitional and permanent housing for the homeless to help people permanently transition off the streets.”
Jackson criticized the bill’s approach as inhumane and ineffective, emphasizing the humanity of those affected.
“I am utterly appalled that this is the response to homelessness—punishment, not compassion or coordinated support,” she said. “These are real people—sons, daughters, siblings, parents. Our response to someone’s lowest moment should not be incarceration.”
Read her full statement HERE
ORIGINAL STORY:
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Indiana House is passing a Senate bill that would empower law enforcement to arrest the homeless and charge them with a C misdemeanor if they’re found sleeping or camping on public property and refuse referrals to emergency shelter resources.
SB-197 has returned to the Senate for more debate. The legislation was created to protect the rights of property owners facing housing code violations, regulate illegal dumping, and eliminate requirements to provide renters with utility use data.
The penalization of homeless people was added to a House committee. Representative Andrew Ireland said the amendment is meant to help those without shelter, not jail them, adding that it includes provisions for referrals to mental health services. If approved, SB-197 won’t go into effect until July 1st, 2026.
Read more HERE
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