Indianapolis Officials Pass Ordinance To Protect Homeless

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The city of Indianapolis is enforcing specific protections for the homeless to prevent discrimination they may face on a daily basis.

The City-County Council voted Monday to pass the proposed "Homeless Bill of Rights." The Indianapolis Star reports the ordinance received some pushback from Republican council members, and it could be vetoed by Republican Mayor Greg Ballard.

The ordinance is modeled after similar laws in Illinois and Rhode Island. It aims to make it more difficult for homeless people to be displaced from public property in Indianapolis.

Other protections included in the ordinance will allow homeless people to move freely in public spaces, be treated equally by city agencies and receive emergency medical care.

City officials also are seeking funding for a homeless engagement center through a separate proposal.