Accountability, Not Guesswork
Operation Camping Law
Indiana SEA 285 Accountability Watch
Indiana’s new public-camping law is now in effect. Veterans Against Diabetes is tracking how this law is implemented and calling for clear documentation, measured enforcement, verified shelter options, diversion pathways, and real support for those impacted.
This is about making sure the system is fair, documented, measurable, and workable for everyone — the public, law enforcement, shelters, taxpayers, veterans, and people experiencing homelessness.
What VAD Is Calling For
If a warning is required, it must be documented.
If a 300-foot rule is enforced, it must be measured.
If shelter or treatment-bed availability matters, it must be verified.
If diversion is allowed, the diversion path must be clear.
If people are forced to relocate, there must be support for lost IDs, documents, medications, food, transportation, and veteran-specific needs.
VAD believes accountability protects everyone.
The Law in Plain English
Indiana SEA 285 created new rules around camping, sleeping, or using state or local public land for long-term shelter when that land has not been authorized for that use.
Before enforcement, a warning must be issued. At least 48 hours must pass after the warning. The person must still be camping, sleeping, or using land for long-term shelter within a 300-foot radius of where the warning was issued.
A person charged under the law may be eligible for diversion. It is also a defense if no shelter or treatment bed was available within five miles of where the violation occurred.
VAD is watching how these rules are applied in the real world.
Accountability Questions
- How are warnings documented?
- Is every warning tied to an incident number?
- Is the warning location recorded by address, GPS, map, bodycam, or written report?
- How is the 300-foot radius measured?
- Who verifies whether shelter or treatment beds are available?
- Is diversion attempted before citation or arrest?
- Are veterans being identified and referred to veteran-specific support?
- Are shelters, food banks, outreach teams, and police being given the resources needed to handle the demand?
- Are people being helped with lost IDs, documents, medications, food, and transportation?
Accountability, not guesswork.
Sign the Petition
VAD has launched a petition calling for Indiana state and local officials to create a clear accountability protocol for the public-camping law.
We are asking for documented warnings, measured enforcement zones, verified shelter and treatment-bed availability, diversion options, public reporting, veteran-specific referrals, and support for people who lose IDs, documents, medications, and other essentials during relocation.
Sign and share the petition today.
Operation ID
Forced relocation can cause people to lose IDs, birth certificates, Social Security cards, VA documents, DD214s, medication, benefit paperwork, and other essentials.
VAD is developing Operation ID as a voluntary, consent-based support lane to help displaced individuals recover critical documents needed for shelter, benefits, employment, treatment, and stability.
Restore identity. Restore access.
Stabilize. Rebuild. Reenter.
Join the Movement
Sign the petition.
Share this page.
Report concerns.
Help us track how this law is being implemented across Indiana.
Flaws and laws go hand in hand. Accountability is how we make it right for all.
No more revolving door.
Stabilize. Rebuild. Reenter.
Veterans Against Diabetes is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This page is for public education, community accountability, veteran support, and service navigation. Anyone facing citation, arrest, eviction, or legal action should contact a qualified attorney or legal-aid organization.