(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana lawmakers are advancing two bills that would effectively ban street camping across the state, limiting where unhoused people can sleep or seek long-term shelter.
House Bill 1431, filed by Rep. Doug Miller, R-Elkhart, and Senate Bill 285, expected to be introduced by Sen. Cyndi Carrasco, R-Indianapolis, contain identical language prohibiting camping, sleeping or long-term sheltering on state- or locally owned property unless the site is specifically authorized for that use.
Under the proposals, law enforcement would be required to issue a warning for a first violation and offer transportation to a shelter or service provider. If a second violation occurs at least 24 hours later, the individual could face a Class C misdemeanor charge.
The bills would also prevent cities and counties from adopting policies that discourage enforcement of the ban and would require police and prosecutors to enforce it. Residents, business owners and the Indiana attorney general would be allowed to sue local governments that fail to comply.
While the legislation restricts street camping, it does not block local governments from offering diversion programs or prioritizing services and assistance over citations or arrests.