Oppose the Criminalization of Homelessness in Indiana

S.B. 285 prohibits a person from camping, sleeping, or taking long term shelter on land owned by the state or local government. After receiving a warning, continued violations constitute a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. S.B. 285 would also prohibit any local government from adopting or enforcing any policy that prohibits or discourages the enforcement of public camping, sleeping, or other obstruction of a sidewalk. S.B. 285 has passed the Senate by a vote of 29-19 and has moved to the House of Representatives.

During an annual assessment by the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority, 4,860 people were experiencing homelessness throughout Indiana, with 25% of those being unsheltered. Rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness, S.B. 285 criminalizes people for having nowhere else to go. Effective solutions should focus on expanding housing access and allowing local communities the flexibility to respond with evidence-based approaches that reduce homelessness instead of punishing it. Call your state representative and demand they oppose S.B. 285.