The bill’s language mirrors model legislation from the Cicero Institute, a conservative Texas-based think tank that has pitched similar legislation around the country to combat rising homelessness numbers. In Indianapolis, the city's homeless population rose 5% from 2023 to 2024, according to an annual count held last year.

Fremont's City Council on Tuesday is set to vote on an ordinance that would make it unlawful for any person to camp on any public property including any street, sidewalk, park, open space, or waterway.

Violations would mean a $1,000 fine or jail time for six months. Several Fremont city and community leaders say the proposed plan goes a step too far.

A new proposal in Fremont would not only target homeless encampments but also make it a crime to help those encampments continue to operate. The city council will be taking its final vote on the so-called camping ordinance Tuesday night.