(INDIANAPOLIS) - A late-session rush at the Indiana Statehouse sent several high-profile proposals back to the Senate on Tuesday, including an environmental code overhaul and a plan aimed at luring the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana. The House also narrowly approved a bill to ban long-term public camping on government property, setting up potential end-of-session negotiations between the chambers.
The Indiana Capital Chronicle reports the bills advanced on the House's third-reading deadline and now return to the Senate for final consideration. If senators disagree with House changes, the measures could head to conference committee as lawmakers work toward adjournment.
Environmental overhaul passes on close vote
The most contentious House vote came on Senate Bill 277, which passed 53-45. The measure makes broad changes to Indiana's environmental statutes, including shifting some requirements at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management from mandatory to discretionary language.
Supporters argued the bill updates outdated code and gives regulators flexibility, while critics warned the wording changes could weaken air and water protections by making enforcement less certain.
Bears stadium financing plan advances
In a separate vote, the House overwhelmingly approved Senate Bill 27 (95-4), advancing a financing framework tied to a proposed Chicago Bears stadium development in Hammond. House leaders described it as a locally funded model similar to past stadium deals, while questions remain about total project costs and how proposed tax changes would be received by the public.
Public camping ban clears House by one-digit margin
The House also passed Senate Bill 285 on a 53-44 vote. The proposal would create a Class C misdemeanor for "street camping," but includes steps before charges could be filed -- including a warning, information about shelter/services, and a required waiting period.
Supporters said the bill offers local governments a tool to address encampments. Opponents argued it criminalizes homelessness, especially in areas with limited shelter capacity.
Other bills move forward
Among other measures that advanced Tuesday: a bill restricting student cellphone use during the school day, a township consolidation proposal, a measure adding "success sequence" concepts to some K-12 standards, and a bill regulating compounded drugs and medical spas. Source: Indiana Capital Chronicle.