House OKs Moed bill to combat vandalism in Indiana communities

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana House members passed legislation coauthored by State Rep. Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis) that will turn the tables on individuals caught vandalizing abandoned properties.

By a 93-0 margin, representatives passed House Bill 1211, making it easier for law enforcement officers to prosecute individuals who are caught vandalizing, dumping trash or tagging graffiti on an abandoned property.

“This legislation will give cities and law enforcement officers a tool to prosecute individuals who are caught vandalizing an abandoned property,” said Moed. “Often it is difficult to move forward with these cases. Without the presence of the owner, there is no victim to file a complaint against the trespasser, making it easy for them to escape prosecution.

“House Bill 1211 will allow the city to declare an uninhabited home as ‘abandoned’ and post a no trespassing sign on the property,” continued Moed. “Once the city makes this declaration, the victim of trespassing and vandalism becomes the community at large, allowing law enforcement to move forward with prosecuting the individual.”

Once the criminal is apprehended, it will fall to them to provide proof in court that they had permission to be on the property.

“I believe this legislation will help local law enforcement officers as they work to protect our communities,” concluded Moed.

The bill was authored by Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) and coauthored by Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn), Rep. David Ober (R-Albion) and Moed. It will now move to the Senate for further discussion.