INDIANAPOLIS—This week, a U.S. District Court blocked House Enrolled Act 1022 from going into effect. The law would have increased restrictions on panhandling, banning it within a 50 feet distance of monuments or financial institutions, including parking meters. State Senator Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) had the following response on the court’s decision to block the law:

“Throughout session, I was a strong advocate against the panhandling bill,” Sen. Taylor said. “This legislation would have meant that panhandling was all but banned in downtown Indianapolis. I’m glad that this gross law was not only blocked from taking effect, but that the entire panhandling statute is being completely reviewed.

“The last thing we should be doing is implementing laws that intentionally seek to harm our most vulnerable Hoosiers. There are a number of situations that could lead to someone asking for assistance—and their freedom of speech protects that right, no matter what their circumstances are. It’s disappointing that this proposal even made it out of the legislature, but it’s a relief that it has been struck down.”