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SB 285

BillStateINSenate
Housing matters.
About This Bill
Latest Action · Mar 5, 2026
Signed by the Governor
Session
2026
Introduced
Jan 12, 2026
Primary Sponsor
Cyndi Carrasco· author

Summary

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Requires the Indiana housing and community development authority (authority) to establish eligibility criteria for a potential recipient to be included in the authority's application for funding under the federal continuum of care program (program). Requires a recipient of program funding to submit an annual report to the authority. Defines "gravely disabled" for purposes of involuntary commitment. Prohibits an individual from camping, sleeping, or using for long term shelter land owned by the state or a political subdivision, unless the land has been authorized for that use by law. Requires a law enforcement officer who discovers a person unlawfully using land owned by the state or a political subdivision for unlawful camping, sleeping, or long term shelter to determine if there are reasonable grounds for an emergency detention of the person, and, if reasonable grounds exist, to proceed under the emergency detention procedure and not the criminal law. Provides that, if there are not grounds for emergency detention and certain elements are met, a person who knowingly or intentionally uses land owned by the state or a political subdivision for unauthorized camping, sleeping, or long term shelter commits a Class C misdemeanor. Creates a defense to the crime if: (1) no beds are available in a shelter or treatment facility located within five miles; or (2) less than six months have passed since the person was released from a facility to which the person was involuntarily committed. Prohibits a political subdivision from adopting or enforcing any policy that prohibits or discourages the enforcement of any order or ordinance prohibiting public camping, sleeping, or other obstruction of a sidewalk. Requires: (1) each local law enforcement agency to provide to the state police department the number of arrests made for violations of the prohibition of street camping; and (2) the state police department to provide this information to the authority. Specifies that the bill does not prohibit a policy, program, or order of a political subdivision that encourages a diversion program or encourages or requires providing housing or shelter in lieu of a citation or arrest. Makes technical corrections.

Subjects

AGENCIES; Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA)AGENCIES; Indiana State Police (ISP)CIVIL LAW AND PROCEDURE; GenerallyCRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE; Creation of New OffensesHEALTH; Behavioral Health; GenerallyHEALTH; Behavioral Health; Mental Illness and TreatmentLAW ENFORCEMENT; GenerallySOCIAL SERVICES; Housing

Co-sponsors (5)

Eric Koch · author
Scott Baldwin · coauthor
Alex Zimmerman · sponsor
Doug Miller · cosponsor
Michelle Davis · cosponsor

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