Legislation being heard this Wednesday in the House Courts & Criminal Code committee that would create a Class C Misdemeanor for sleeping outside. Were it to advance out of that committee, SB 285 would be one step closer to becoming law.

Some legislators may say this bill does not criminalize homelessness or disrupt partnerships to connect people without shelter to resources in lieu of arrest. However, the text and time limitations within the bill say otherwise, and it provides no new housing, services, or funding to support providers in carrying out that work. Local governments could also be subject to lawsuits if they are perceived as inadequately enforcing this law. A misdemeanor doesn't help someone find stable housing, and Indiana's service providers deserve better than an unfunded mandate.

We need members of the Indiana Senate to hear from you now. Tell them to vote NO on SB 285.

Call and write your Senator and tell them to VOTE NO on SB 285 as long as the Class C misdemeanor is included!

Tell Your Senator What SB 285 Would Do

• Require law enforcement to issue warnings and eventually new Class C misdemeanors to homeless Hoosiers 
• Burden localities with the persistent threat of litigation by AG & individuals 
• Erode trust in local law enforcement 
• Surge demand at under resourced service providers, even in the best-case scenario 
• Exacerbate overcrowding in local jails

SB 285 WILL NOT

• Reduce or eliminate homelessness 
• Give law enforcement officers discretion in citing unsheltered people 
• Create new diversion programs or problem-solving courts 
• Make housing more affordable 
• Make SUD treatment more accessible 
• Make shelter beds more available 

Supportive housing, shelter services, and stabilizing assistance are not just more humane and dignified, they are also more cost-effective than incarceration

Even if you have reached out on this issue previously, it is critical that we reach out again. We have stopped legislation like this before, and if we work together, we can stop it again.