IndianaSB 285Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)Senate

Housing matters.

Sponsored By: Cyndi Carrasco (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Summary

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.

judiciarythe housecourts and criminal code

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Broader detention grounds for unsheltered people

Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana expands its grave-disability definition for people with mental illness who lack fixed, regular, adequate shelter. It covers remaining outdoors in places not normally used for sleeping during weather likely to cause death or serious injury. The person must have refused transportation to a reasonably offered and available shelter or mental-health provider. This expands grounds for emergency detention or involuntary commitment; it does not guarantee shelter or treatment.

New rules for homelessness funding applicants

Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana’s housing authority must set eligibility rules for applicants included in its federal homelessness funding application. These Continuum of Care rules must follow federal law, and inclusion does not guarantee funding. Recipients of funds distributed by the authority must report annually on efforts and results in reducing unsheltered homelessness. Local police agencies must report the prior year’s street-camping citations and arrests to state police by March 1 each year. State police must pass the reported information to the housing authority by July 1 each year.

Public camping penalties with diversion options

Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana bans unauthorized camping, sleeping, or using state or local government land for long-term shelter. Officers must first check for grounds for emergency mental-health detention and use that process when grounds exist. For a first non-emergency violation, officers must give a warning and information about lawful services or shelter. Knowingly or intentionally continuing at least 48 hours later, within 300 feet of the warning location, is a Class C misdemeanor. A defense applies when no shelter or treatment bed is available within five miles. Another defense covers release less than six months earlier after a finding of mental illness and grave disability or dangerousness. People charged are eligible for diversion, including prosecutor-led and forensic programs; courts can also refer them for evaluation and treatment. Local governments cannot block or discourage enforcement of rules against public camping, sleeping, or sidewalk obstruction. Policies can encourage diversion or housing, but cannot allow staying in the prohibited area beyond 48 hours after warning.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Cyndi Carrasco

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Alex Zimmerman

    Republican • House

  • Doug Miller

    Republican • House

  • Eric Koch

    Republican • Senate

  • Michelle Davis

    Republican • House

  • Scott Baldwin

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 141 • No: 147

Senate vote • 2/26/2026

Senate concurred with House amendments

Yes: 28 • No: 22

House vote • 2/24/2026

Third reading: passed

Yes: 53 • No: 44

House vote • 2/23/2026

Amendment #1 (Pierce M) failed

Yes: 31 • No: 62

Senate vote • 1/28/2026

Third reading: passed

Yes: 29 • No: 19

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor

    3/5/2026Senate
  2. Public Law 138

    3/5/2026Senate
  3. Signed by the Speaker

    2/27/2026House
  4. Signed by the President Pro Tempore

    2/27/2026Senate
  5. Signed by the President of the Senate

    2/27/2026Senate
  6. Senate concurred with House amendments; Roll Call 303: yeas 28, nays 22

    2/26/2026Senate
  7. Motion to concur filed

    2/25/2026Senate
  8. Returned to the Senate with amendments

    2/25/2026House
  9. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 359: yeas 53, nays 44

    2/24/2026House
  10. Second reading: amended, ordered engrossed

    2/23/2026House
  11. Amendment #1 (Pierce M) failed; Roll Call 333: yeas 31, nays 62

    2/23/2026House
  12. Amendment #5 (Gore) failed; voice vote

    2/23/2026House
  13. Amendment #3 (Zimmerman) prevailed; voice vote

    2/23/2026House
  14. Amendment #2 (Zimmerman) prevailed; voice vote

    2/23/2026House
  15. Representative Davis added as cosponsor

    2/23/2026House
  16. Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

    2/19/2026House
  17. Representative Zimmerman added as sponsor

    2/18/2026House
  18. Representative Miller D removed as sponsor

    2/18/2026House
  19. Representative Miller D added as cosponsor

    2/18/2026House
  20. First reading: referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code

    2/2/2026House
  21. Referred to the House

    1/29/2026Senate
  22. House sponsor: Representative Miller D

    1/28/2026Senate
  23. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 129: yeas 29, nays 19

    1/28/2026Senate
  24. Senator Baldwin added as coauthor

    1/27/2026Senate
  25. Second reading: amended, ordered engrossed

    1/26/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Engrossed Senate Bill (H)

  • Engrossed Senate Bill (S)

  • Enrolled Senate Bill (S)

  • Introduced Senate Bill (S)

  • Senate Bill (H)

  • Senate Bill (S)

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