summary
Introduced
01/08/2026
01/08/2026
In Committee
01/08/2026
01/08/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Street camping. 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. Provides, if certain elements are met, that 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. Allows an individual to be referred to a problem solving court program for a violation. 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. Authorizes a resident of the political subdivision, an owner of a business located in the political subdivision, or the attorney general to bring a civil action to enjoin a political subdivision that adopts or enforces such a policy.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits individuals from camping, sleeping, or using land owned by the state or a political subdivision (like a city or county) for long-term shelter unless it's specifically allowed by law. If someone knowingly violates this prohibition after receiving a warning and a 24-hour grace period, they commit a Class C misdemeanor, which is a minor criminal offense. However, the bill also allows individuals to be referred to a problem-solving court program for such violations, which are courts designed to address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior. Furthermore, the bill prevents political subdivisions from adopting policies that discourage the enforcement of laws against public camping or obstructing sidewalks, and it allows residents, business owners, or the Attorney General to sue a political subdivision that violates this provision.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
First reading: referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code (on 01/08/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1431/details |
| BillText | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/house/bills/HB1431/HB1431.01.INTR.pdf |
| Fiscal Note #1: Introduced | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/house/bills/HB1431/fiscal-notes/HB1431.01.INTR.FN001.pdf |
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