A warning would precede charges for unauthorized camping on government land

For a first violation, a law enforcement officer must warn the person and offer transport to an authorized shelter or service site. This applies to a person camping, sleeping, or using that land for long-term shelter. The land must be state or local government land not authorized by law for camping, sleeping, or long-term shelter. The warning and transport offer are required only if the person has not previously violated the rule. The person must knowingly or intentionally violate the rule at least 24 hours after the warning was given.

A political subdivision may not adopt or enforce a policy that discourages enforcement of covered orders or ordinances. This applies to political subdivisions and orders or ordinances against public camping, sleeping, or sidewalk obstruction. Residents, local business owners, and the attorney general may sue to stop a violation. The attorney general may recover reasonable expenses from a case brought under this section. A local government may still encourage diversion programs or offer services instead of a citation or arrest.

A violation of the camping rule may serve as a reason to refer a person to a problem-solving court program. This applies to a person referred because of a violation under IC 36-1-31.5-1. The person must meet the program's eligibility rules and the judge must approve admission.