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Monroe County adopts resolution acknowledging state law changes that limit encampment-notice protections
Summary
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution recognizing new state legislation that will take effect July 1 and may limit the county's ability to guarantee a 30-day notice for homeless encampment removals; commissioners urged coordination with the city and service providers and emphasized an intent to prioritize shelter and services.
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners on June 4 approved Resolution 2026-21 to notify residents that recent state legislation will change how the county can respond to homeless encampments, saying the change may curtail the county's prior 30-day notice practice.
Commissioner Madera introduced the resolution during a lengthy discussion of how the state measure affects local authority. Madera said the county's longstanding preference was to provide 30 days' notice before removals but that the new law constrains local policies. "This is gonna hit communities hard," Madera said, urging that the county's response include shelter, mental-health care, substance-use treatment and case management rather than focus solely on enforcement.
Why it matters: Commissioners and community commenters warned the law effectively imposes an unfunded mandate on local governments and service providers. Commissioner Thomas described the change as "another unfunded mandate" from the state and said the county will "intend to provide as much notice as possible" for any county-initiated actions while acknowledging limits imposed by state law.
Public comment and local coordination: Christopher (Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce) urged early, coordinated interventions with the city, employers and service providers to prevent encampments from becoming large and unsafe, and to clarify processes for businesses and property owners. Commissioners said they have been meeting with city and county leaders, county council members and the mayor's office to coordinate responses ahead of the July 1 effective date.
Board action and next steps: The board approved the resolution by voice vote (recorded as 2-0). Commissioners stressed the resolution does not change the county's intent to provide notice when the county itself initiates an encampment removal, but acknowledged the county cannot override state law. They asked staff to continue outreach with the city, service providers, the faith community and business groups to plan responses and share information with stakeholders ahead of July 1.
The board did not adopt any new enforcement actions at the meeting. The resolution's text and any staff implementation plans will be available through county records and at future meetings as the county coordinates its approach.
