New Indiana Laws Taking Effect July 1 Create Obligations for Dunkirk

Several new Indiana laws take effect on Tuesday, July 1, including two that create specific obligations for Dunkirk's local government and law enforcement.

Senate Bill 285 makes sleeping or camping on public property a Class C misdemeanor. The law includes exemptions when no shelter bed is available within five miles or when a person has been released from a mental health facility within six months. Local governments may operate diversion programs as an alternative to enforcement.

Senate Enrolled Act 76 requires local governments to cooperate with federal immigration detainer requests.

Other laws in the July 1 package with potential local relevance include SEA 256, which restricts foreign-owned property near critical infrastructure; HEA 1210, which caps certain rental housing fees; and SEA 59, which reforms annexation procedures.

The statewide package also includes a bell-to-bell school cellphone ban and social media restrictions for minors.

No public indication has been found that Dunkirk has discussed or prepared for any of these new requirements.

Source: Hoosier Enquirer — New Indiana Laws Take Effect July 1; Indiana Capital Chronicle — Public camping ban, military police and other laws go into effect July 1