Mayor Ballard Vetoes Homeless Bill Of Rights

Mayor Greg Ballard announced today that he vetoed the so-called Homeless Bill of Rights that was narrowly approved by the City-County Counil earlier this month. 

The bill, also known as Proposal 291, spells out certain rights for homeless people, including the right to use and move freely in public spaces; right to emergency medical care; right to equal treatment by city municipal agencies; and the right to vote.

The counil approved the bill by a vote of 16 to 13.

In a written statement Ballard critized some councillors for removing a provision from the bill that would have provided funding for a “homeless engagement center” for connecting people with mental health and other treatment programs.

"Proposal 291 accomplishes nothing in the way of caring for our homeless population, yet it does create very serious liability issues, including placing both Department of Public Safety and Department of Public Works employees in untenable positions," Ballard said. "Despite the proposal’s unofficial title as a 'bill of rights,' the rights enumerated already exist for all citizens. This is an ill-conceived proposal, and I cannot in good conscience sign this into law.”

Supporters say that the move will help save money by cutting down on arrests.  

Earlier this week a 24-hour call center for helping homeless veterans and those at risk of homelessness went live in Indianapolis. Ballard launched the program this month. The hotline number is 317-327-4838.

Contact WFYI education reporter Eric Weddle at eweddle@wfyi.org or call (317) 614-0470. Follow on Twitter: @ericweddle.