In the 2024 General Assembly, Representative Michelle Davis, (R) Whiteland, introduced the Cicero Institute’s template legislation that would, essentially, criminalize homelessness. While the Austin, Texas based institute couches their research and legislation as a way of assisting the homeless, it is “… push(ing) to defund long-term solutions and instead force municipalities to sweep the housing affordability crisis under the rug through increasingly draconian measures. Template state legislation authored by the group allows a fine of up to $5,000 for repeat violations of camping bans and makes it easier to commit people to psychiatric institutions. It also financially punishes cities with higher-than-average rates of homelessness and redirects funding for permanent housing to short-term shelters.”

Cicero’s answer to homelessness is antithetical to Housing First. Homeless individuals are forced into shelters and required to stay until they meet certain criteria, akin to prison. For over 20 years the data has shown, repeatedly, this is not a solution and only farther marginalizes unhoused people.

Davis’ 2024 bill HB1413 was a carbon copy of Cicero’s template state legislation, as were bills introduced in Wisconsin and Kentucky. Cicero was successful in Kentucky. Cicero has hired lobbyist Joey Fox to represent them in the 2025 General Assembly, so it’s a good bet they will introduce their legislation again, this time with vigor.

Call, write, email your state legislators now and tell them we are not OK with a Texas-based think tank deciding how Indianapolis treats its residents. Furthermore, Housing First is a data-driven strategy that is also far cheaper than the shelter system.

Here’s a sample:

Dear Senator/Representative XYZ,

I want to bring your attention to a national effort by the Cicero Institute to, in essence, criminalize homelessness. This Texas-based think tank believes that forcing people to live in shelters is an answer to homelessness when that approach has, time and time again, been shown not only ineffective, but expensive. Housing First, the data-driven model of permanently housing people with the services they need, is not only a proven solution but is less expensive than the shelter system. It’s also far more humane. Let’s treat our unsheltered neighbors with the dignity they deserve and provide them with safe, secure housing. Thank you!

Include President Pro Tem Rod Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston in your emails!

Sources:

IBJ Article, States and localities face crossroad on homelessness policy

In These Times, Inside the Right’s War on the Homeless: How one Trumpist tech mogul pushed a crackdown on the unhoused all the way to the Supreme Court.