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Panel approves amended ban on street camping; opponents warn of jail strain and lack of shelter capacity
Summary
The Regulatory Reform Committee approved an amended version of House Bill 1662, which would prohibit camping or long‑term sheltering on public land and create enforcement steps including warnings and a misdemeanor for repeat violations. Supporters called the measure a compassionate way to connect people to services; opponents — service providers, a
The Indiana House Regulatory Reform Committee voted to pass an amended version of House Bill 1662, a measure that would prohibit street camping on state or political‑subdivision land and establish enforcement steps for people found camping on public property.
Representative Michelle Davis, the bill sponsor, presented the measure as focused on public health and safety and said its intent is to offer a “proactive approach for people who are visibly struggling on our sidewalks and public property rather than one that lets them remain in dangerous circumstances.” The bill’s language, as amended in committee, requires a warning and, where available, transport or referral to an authorized shelter or services; repeat presence within 24 hours after a warning can be treated as a Class C misdemeanor under the amended text as adopted in committee.
The committee heard extended testimony from service providers, local officials and people with lived experience. Testimony opposing the…
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