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House bill criticized as criminalizing homelessness will not advance

"The lawmaker behind controversial legislation that would have allowed police to arrest people sleeping on public property has pulled the plug on the measure at a key juncture in the legislative process.

House Bill 1662, authored by Rep. Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland, would prohibit camping on public property, making it a misdemeanor offense. On Thursday, the final day for bills to receive a vote on the floor in their chamber of origin, Davis chose not to call down the bill.

That means HB 1662 is dead for the session. Still, the language could be placed in another piece of legislation.

Housing and homelessness advocates had mobilized in opposition to the bill, which is tied to a Texas-based think tank. They argued that it would criminalize homelessness and create additional barriers for those living unsheltered. Law enforcement joined the faith and nonprofit leaders in asking lawmakers to vote against the legislation on Monday, with a lobbyist from the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association testifying that it would put a burden on county jails and is contrary to recent steps by the Legislature to divert people from entering the criminal justice system.

The bill would have directed law enforcement to give a person sleeping on a street or a sidewalk in the first instance a warning. Police could then charge them with a Class C misdemeanor if they’re found at that location more than 24 hours later. That charge carries a maximum punishment of 60 days in jail.

The bill also would have allowed police officers to provide alternative aid instead of a citation or arrest.

Davis’ office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, told reporters that lawmakers had good discussions on the bill, but it ultimately didn’t have the support it needed.

“I’m pretty committed to working with the bill and the bill authors to find the right language,” Huston said. “I think there’s language we can get to… have bipartisan support. We just weren’t there yet.”

Democrats opposed the bill in committee. House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, told reporters the bill wasn’t well-written, and that he would instead support a long-term study of homelessness in Indiana before the Legislature takes action.

Just three people spoke in support of the bill while it was in committee, including a lobbyist from the Indiana Restaurant and Lobbying Association. Devon Kurtz, a lobbyist for a Texas-based think tank called the Cicero Institute—which provided the model language the bill was based on—also spoke in favor of the bill in committee."

This text is from an Indiana Business Journal article by Taylor Wooten. It was submitted to this newsletter by Marcia Roberts.

UMCOR Updates - Early Response Team Training

March 1 | 8:30AM | North Indy

ERTs provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster as the first team into a disaster area following first responders. They offer both helping hands and hope to those in need, as well as removing debris, tarping, and cleaning out flooded areas. This one-day training prepares individuals on procedures and site safety, so they are ready to mobilize as soon as disaster hits. Please consider joining this training. Light breakfast, lunch, snacks, and all materials will be provided.

Click here to sign up.

UMCOR updates – In it for the Long Term

St. Luke’s has supported UMCOR with tens of thousands of dollars for recent disasters in the Southeast and California. Here is an update on UMCOR’s efforts:

Three hard-hit conferences are working with UMCOR to set-up long-term disaster management programs. Western North Carolina Conference, South Carolina Conference and Holston Conference are each receiving recovery grants.

READ MORE HERE

In the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades fires, UMCOR awarded two emergency grants to the California-Pacific Conference to undergird their response.

Please take some time to pray on their behalf; we provide this prayer to guide you, written by Rev. Karin Ellis of the California-Pacific Conference.

Holy One, Creator of us all, we come to you with everything that is in our hearts and everything we are carrying in our bodies.
We pray for the beloved communities of Altadena and Pacific Palisades that have lost so much- homes, churches, stores, playgrounds, schools, parks, libraries, gathering places, restaurants, barbershops, and hair salons- all of the places where we gather as community. Help us weep together, share stories, and hold one another close just as you hold us close during this tender time.
We pray for the family members and friends who have lost loved ones. May your comforting presence be with them, and may we offer support and care as best we can.
We pray for those who are suffering from illness. We know you are the great Healer and so we ask that you bring healing to body, mind, and soul. And may we participate in your Healing Spirit as we care for one another.
We pray for those who have no home and for those who are still waiting to return home. In this uncertain time, we ask that they will be guided by those who have expertise in helping them find a place to live.
We pray that we might “feel all the feels.” Help us to know it is ok to be exhausted, angry, frustrated, uncertain, scared, and all the other feelings and thoughts that go through our mind and our body. And at the end of the day, help us turn these thoughts and feelings over to you so we can rest well.
Holy One, in the midst of it all, we also give you thanks and praise.
We are grateful for the gift of this day and the ability to open our eyes once again.
We are thankful for the opportunity to gather as your people, part of the body of Christ, to nourish and uphold one another as we do your good work.
We are grateful for all the first responders and public leaders and officials who have helped us and guided us during these chaotic times.
Most of all, we are thankful for your abiding love, O God, a love that will never end no matter what. Thank you for holding us close, for caring for us, for never leaving us.
And when it is time, Gracious God, help us come together as your people to rebuild our cities, to once again build up the foundations of our lives so that our communities will flourish.
We ask all of this in your name, and in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, the One who teaches us how to live lovingly with each other, how to serve faithfully, and how to bring forth hope and new life.
Amen.

Submitted by Shelly Clasen