Housing will be a major focus of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus this year during the Indiana General Assembly session with proposals that could bring greater support to Indianapolis renters and homeowners.
The caucus unveiled its agenda Wednesday, Jan. 10 in a news conference at the Statehouse. Called “Fair Housing, Fair Futures,” it focuses on making it easier for Hoosiers to find affordable, accessible and equitable housing through proposed expansions of the state’s fair housing laws and the creation of a new eviction task force.
The caucus’ proposals specifically seek to make the pathway to homeownership more accessible, especially for Black Hoosiers. House Bill 1176, carried by Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, proposes an assistance fund to help Hoosiers make down payments on a new home.
And multiple bills seek to protect Hoosiers once they do own property. Rep. Vanessa Summers, D-Indianapolis, filed House Bill 1128, which would prohibit foreclosure due to medical debt. Rep. Cherrish Pryor, D-Indianapolis, has authored House Bill 1112 to protect against discrimination in property appraisals.
One Black Indianapolis resident’s story, first reported by IndyStar, garnered national attention in 2021 when she said her home value doubled in value after having a white friend stand in for her appraisal. Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus said they’ve heard similar stories across the state.
“Too often, Black Hoosiers, Hoosiers of color and other minorities throughout the state have had their homes undervalued or cannot receive their loans because of their ethnicity or national origin,” Harris said. “Owning a home is one of the best ways to build generational wealth, but that cannot happen if some Hoosiers are held back through these unfair and unjust practices.”
The caucus’ agenda also seeks to offer protection for renters. Rep. Renee Pack, D-Indianapolis, proposes in House Bill 1087 to expand Indiana’s fair housing law to prohibit discrimination based on a person’s status as a veteran or active duty member of the military, something members of the caucus say has been used to deny housing vouchers to former and current servicemembers.
Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, also is seeking to increase transparency among renters and their landlords. Hunley’s Senate Bill 243 requires landlords to provide written notice to their tenants within 60 days of showings should they decide to sell their property. The legislation further requires new property owners to honor leases signed between the previous owner and current tenant.
Indiana Black Legislative Caucus members are all Democrats, who hold little power to move legislation in the Indiana General Assembly. Yet while it’s still early in this year’s legislative session, Harris — who chairs the caucus — said he’s already heard broad support from House Republican leadership on housing initiatives.
“Homeownership is a stepping stone that allows an individual and their families to plant their roots and build their lives,” Harris said. “Owning a home is about far more than having a roof over your head. It’s about giving Hoosiers a sense of security and the ability to save up for upcoming milestones like sending your child to college as well as for retirement.”
Mirror Indy reporter Carley Lanich covers early childhood and K-12 education. Contact her at carley.lanich@mirrorindy.org or follow her on X @carleylanich.
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