INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Advocacy groups supporting homeless populations are warning about the potential effects of a new law banning camping in public areas.

Senate Enrolled Act 285 now makes it a misdemeanor to camp, sleep on or use public land as long-term shelter.

JJ and Jennifer Goodall have been homeless on and off for the last eight years.

“It makes me wonder what’s going through people’s heads now,” JJ said.

Under the law, someone caught camping on public land would first receive a warning and information about available resources.

They would have 48 hours to leave at least 300 feet away. They then could face 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Sanctuary Indy is a nonprofit with a mission to help solve homelessness throughout Indianapolis. Founder Michelle Shelburne says the SEA 285 is a step in the wrong direction and effectively criminalizes homelessness.

“I know a lot of individuals through our street outreach that will be filling up our jail system to be arrested,” Shelburne said. “Then [they have] nowhere to go. I don’t see that as a viable solution for our housing crisis.”

The Goodalls’ struggle is amplified because JJ can’t work. He takes care of Jennifer full-time. She lost vision in both of her eyes years ago.

Earlier this year, they were connected with Sanctuary Indy’s support services, including nutritionists and a financial advisor.

“We were living in the dumpster area of the Dollar Tree,” Jennifer said. “Stacy, their outreach advocate, came by and started talking to us, and it just all happened from there.”

Part of the nonprofit’s work includes developing Circle City Village, a housing complex for homeless people and families.

Later this year, the Goodalls will be among the first residents to move into six tiny homes for couples and individuals.

Plans for the village’s second phase include five duplexes for ten families.

“They lifted us up and gave us a lot of hope right now, so we’re holding on to that right now,” JJ said.

They know people who rely on public spaces for shelter. Both are worried about what the new law will mean for others in their situation.

“There’s no real safe place that you can sleep, especially if you’re outside,” Jennifer said. “To do that to those people who are already down as far as they can possibly get is not right.”

According to data from the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, Marion County is short 33,600 housing units for households at or below 30% of the area median income.

Shelburne is urging lawmakers to see the real people impacted.

“We need more help starting from the ground up,” Shelburne said. “Not coming up with band-aid solutions that are just going to increase our crisis.”

The first phase of construction on Circle City Village is scheduled to be completed this summer.

INDIANAPOLIS — People who live and drive in Marion County will pay more to register their vehicles starting next year after the City-County Council approved changes to vehicle fees Monday night.

The new plan replaces the current vehicle excise surtax and wheel tax structure with flat annual fees.

Most vehicles will have a $100 registration fee each year. Vehicles subject to the county wheel tax will pay a $240 annual fee. People will only pay one of the fees depending on their vehicle type.

The changes begin Jan. 1, 2027, and are expected to raise about $356 million over the next five years for road improvements across Marion County.

Supporters say the additional money will help pay for repairs and other transportation projects. The plan is also expected to help Marion County receive additional state funding for roads.

The proposal has faced opposition from some local leaders and residents who say raising costs is difficult as people continue to deal with higher prices for everyday expenses.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett previously opposed the increase, saying he did not believe residents should have to pay more through a tax increase to fund infrastructure improvements.

The City-County Council approved the changes Monday night after the proposal moved through committee last week. The new fees will be collected when people renew their vehicle registrations beginning in 2027.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — After retiring from the NFL in early March, former longtime Colts center Ryan Kelly is stepping into the next chapter of his life.

Drafted by the Colts in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Kelly spent nine seasons with the Horseshoe. Now 32, he shared a life update during the AC Golf Classic just a few months into retirement.

“My golf game is getting better,” Kelly said. “I’m chasing three kids around. Trying to figure out what’s next for me. But right now, we’re just having a lot of fun. Still keeping in touch with a lot of the guys, and they’re getting ready for the season, so it’s kind of an adjustment not being a part of that anymore.”

Kelly reflected on what he misses most about playing in the NFL.

“I kind of look back on 10 years and really appreciate what I was able to do and the people I was around,” Kelly said. “That’s ultimately what you miss the most is the guys and the people in the building. Little reunion tour maybe this year, come back to the Colts games, bring the kids.”

For most of Kelly’s life, he’s spent his days waiting for gameday. With more free time now, he says it’s been an adjustment not preparing his body for a long NFL season.

“It’s a little weird, you feel like you should be training,” Kelly said. “I try to do a little workout, not as much as I used to, to try to keep up with that. The mental side, it’s a challenge. I think that’s why golf’s been great for me. It’s like the unattainable achievement that you’re always trying to get to. I keep tabs with the guys, and I think what’s great is that’s what you miss the most. The kind of personalities you miss. Being in touch with those guys has been great.”

Though Kelly is no longer on the roster, he remains close with several Colts, including star guard Quenton Nelson and offensive line coach Tony Sparano.

As the Colts prepare for training camp in late July, Kelly praised Sparano’s coaching and Nelson’s leadership on the offensive line.

“They’re set up really well with Tony,” Kelly said. “Tony Sparano, I think is one of the finest line coaches in the league. Learned so much from his dad and really brought us back together in ‘23 to bring that unit back together. A lot of great players, talented players, but made us believe who we were, how we could be good together.”

“And Q, he’s out here today going into year nine,” Kelly said. “I remember when he was a rookie. It’s just amazing to see how fast it goes. But his steadfast leadership has been so good. I know they have great talent. Those guys really believe they can be great. I think that’s awesome. They play together, and you can watch their film. They have a great quarterback, great offense. Looking forward to watching them this year.”

The Colts’ offensive line that Kelly praised was among the NFL’s best last season. Indianapolis finished second in rushing touchdowns (27) and tied for 10th in yards per carry (4.5).

According to Pro Football Focus, the unit ranked second overall in the league. The line also powered Jonathan Taylor to 1,585 rushing yards, the third-highest total by a running back last season.

Kelly also joked that his kids might one day follow in his footsteps as NFL offensive linemen.

“Some future offensive lineman, NFL offensive lineman right there,” Kelly said. “I see some of their feet, and I’m like, oh my God, these kids are going to be enormous. One already said they wanted to play for Alabama. We’ll see how it goes, we’ve got a couple more years.”

Kelly was a four-time Pro Bowler with the Colts during his nine seasons in Indy.