Indiana Senate passes bill clarifying 25-foot "reactionary gap" for law enforcement

INDIANAPOLIS — On March 11, 2025, the Indiana Senate passed House Bill 11-22, a measure that retains a 25-foot “reactionary gap” around law enforcement officers and adds language requiring an officer to reasonably believe that a person’s continued approach would interfere with official duties before ordering them to move. The vote was 39 ayes and 10 noes.

Supporters said the change responds to a court ruling that found earlier language vague; opponents contended the statute still raises enforcement and due-process problems, particularly how distances would be measured and whether officer discretion is too broad.

The bill’s author, Senator Baldwin, told colleagues the change is intended to resolve the vagueness identified in litigation over the earlier 25-foot standard by making interference — and a reasonable belief that interference would occur — an element of the offense. "This bill is about interference," Baldwin said during floor debate, distinguishing…