Moed bill to combat vandalism at abandoned homes now ready for governor’s OK

INDIANAPOLIS — Legislation coauthored by State Rep. Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis) to prosecute individuals caught vandalizing abandoned properties awaits the governor’s final approval.

House Bill 1211 gives cities and law enforcement officers a tool to prosecute individuals who are found guilty of vandalizing an abandoned property. The bill passed through both the House and Senate with overwhelming support and now moves to the governor’s desk for final approval.

“The bill makes it easier for law enforcement officers to prosecute individuals who are caught vandalizing, dumping trash or tagging graffiti on an abandoned property,” said Moed. “Prior to this legislation, law enforcement would have a difficult time proceeding with the case. Without the presence of the owner of the property, no one can file a complaint against the trespasser, making it easy for the perpetrator to avoid prosecution.”

After a city declares an uninhabited home as “abandoned” and posts a no trespassing sign on the property, the victim of the crime becomes the community at large. Once a victim is established, law enforcement can begin prosecuting the individual.

“I am pleased to see the strong, bipartisan support that this legislation gained,” said Moed. “By working together we will fight crime at blighted properties and strengthen our neighborhoods.”