Indiana State Senator La Keisha Jackson (D-Indianapolis) strongly criticized revived language in House Bill 1014 that would criminalize homelessness by banning individuals from staying in public spaces.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Jackson condemned the legislation as “inhumane and ineffective,” arguing that incarcerating people experiencing homelessness is not a solution to the state’s housing crisis. The bill mirrors language from an earlier proposal, HB 1662, which sought to classify public camping as a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail.
“Placing homeless individuals in jail is not solving the problem,” Jackson said. “A real solution would involve funding low-barrier shelters, offering accessible mental health services, creating collaborative outreach programs and funding transitional and permanent housing.”
Jackson cited the daily cost of incarceration—estimated at $64.53—as fiscally irresponsible, especially amid projected budget shortfalls from recent legislation like Senate Bill 1, which could reduce local government revenues by $1.4 billion.
She urged lawmakers to consider the human cost as well as the financial implications. “These are real people—sons, daughters, siblings, parents,” she said. “Our response to someone’s lowest moment should not be incarceration.”
The senator called on state and local officials to prioritize services that address root causes of homelessness and to choose compassion over punishment. “These individuals are struggling. They need help—not jail time,” Jackson said.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.