PROBLEM STATEMENTS:

(a) As the next Governor of the State of Tennessee, I will cease the harm and criminalization of unhoused individuals on day one. As a lifelong farmer and a person who grew up in a rural area, I am committed to bringing economic growth to rural counties in the State of Tennessee.

(b) In the State of Tennessee, there should be no reason to criminalize human beings for being poor or unhoused. As the next Governor of the State of Tennessee, I will show dignity and respect to the homeless population, creating a Homeless Outreach Board of Commissioners. Using police officers, ICE agents, Homeland Security, and U.S. Marshals to address the homeless situation is not the conduit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is the oath and duty of the Tennessee government to protect and serve Tennesseans, not harm them.

(c) Tennessee was the first state to make camping on public property a felony (2022), which has heavily impacted rural areas.

(d) As of late 2024–2025 data, the overall poverty rate in Tennessee is approximately 13.5% to 14%. This rate indicates that nearly 1 million Tennesseans live below the federal poverty line. Tennessee's poverty rate is higher than the national average, with children experiencing a higher rate of nearly 19.7%.

Key Poverty Data for Tennessee

• Overall Rate: Roughly 14% of the population, or approximately 951,000 residents.

• Child Poverty: Approximately 19.7% of children under 18 live in poverty.

• Median Income: The median household income is ($67,631), which is lower than the U.S. median of ($77,719).

• Economic Strain (ALICE): In addition to the 14% in poverty, another 30% of households are classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), meaning they earn above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) but cannot afford basic necessities, bringing total financial insecurity to roughly 44% of households.

• County Data: Poverty rates vary significantly by county, with some areas experiencing rates well over 20%.

(e) Despite efforts by nonprofits and city initiatives, homelessness remains a severe concern for the unhoused population across the State of Tennessee.

(f) It is generally illegal to live in your car in Tennessee due to strict state laws against overnight parking at rest areas and local ordinances restricting sleeping in vehicles. Camping on state-owned property, including highway shoulders and underpasses, is a criminal offense.

• Rest Areas: You cannot park for more than 2-3 hours. Overnight sleeping is prohibited.

• "Unlawful Camping": State law (TN Code § 55-8-212) prohibits sleeping on the shoulder or underpasses of highways.

• Local Ordinances: Cities like Nashville and Memphis have specific regulations that prohibit sleeping in vehicles on public or private property

(g) Nashville has a significant and growing homelessness issue, with over 4,300 individuals experiencing homelessness as of early 2026, marking a 40% year-over-year increase. The crisis is driven by rising housing costs, evictions, and mental health challenges, leading to visible, scattered encampments throughout the city, including areas near downtown.

(h) Tennessee has made it a Class E felony to camp or sleep on state-owned property, including under bridges and on roadside greenways, as of July 1, 2022. This law, which applies to public land, can carry penalties of up to six years in prison and a fine, along with the potential revocation of voting rights. This law specifically targets and, in effect, criminalizes certain actions of unhoused individuals, with penalties including a $3,000 fine.

(i) Camping on public lands is a Class E felony, which can result in the loss of voting rights and a permanent criminal record, hindering access to housing and jobs.

(j) The U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson has empowered cities to enforce such ordinances, overturning previous rulings that deemed punishing sleeping outside a violation of the Eighth Amendment.

Key details regarding the law:

• Felony Camping Law: Known as the "Equal Access to Public Property Act of 2012," amendments in 2022 made camping on all public property a felony.

• Penalties: This class E felony is punishable by one to six years in prison and a fine of up to

• Scope: The law primarily targets camping on public property, including city parks and state-owned land.

• Enforcement: While it is a felony, enforcement has been uneven, with some officials noting the law is intended to clear encampments rather than lead to mass incarceration.

• Legal Context: A 2024 Supreme Court ruling (Grants Pass v. Johnson) validated the ability of cities to enforce such bans, allowing these laws to remain in effect.

(k) While the law makes sleeping on public land a felony, it does not explicitly make the state of being homeless a crime, but rather the act of camping on public property.

Nashville Homeless Overview:

According to 2024–2026 data, Nashville's (Davidson County) overall poverty rate is approximately 11.9% to 14.1%. While the city has experienced significant growth, disparities persist, with a 18% poverty rate for African American residents. Specific high-density areas, such as the Nashville Promise Zone, report higher rates of 37.6% and cover roughly 25% of the county's violent crimes. Unemployment for Black residents in some areas is more than double the rate for white residents.

Aspects of Nashville's Homelessness Situation:

• Growing Numbers: Data indicates a 40% rise in homelessness from late 2024 to late 2025, with thousands still struggling to find permanent housing.

• Rising Costs: A critical shortage of affordable housing is a major driver, with studies suggesting the city needs 90,000 new homes over the next decade.

• Encampments:

  Following the closure of larger areas, smaller, scattered, and often hidden encampments have emerged across the city.

• Mental Health and Chronic Issues: Approximately 41% of surveyed unsheltered individuals reported mental health needs, and nearly 48% of the unsheltered population surveyed are experiencing chronic homelessness.

• City Response: Nashville is investing in solutions, but faces challenges with finding sustainable, long-term housing options, leading to reliance on temporary or emergency shelters.

Memphis Homeless Overview

Homelessness in Memphis and Shelby County is a worsening, complex crisis driven by a lack of affordable housing, with estimates suggesting thousands are unhoused, including a rising number of families, students, and young adults aging out of foster care. The community has a high poverty rate, with many individuals living in encampments, vehicles, or transitional housing.

As of late 2024 and early 2025 data, the overall poverty rate in the city of Memphis is 24.0%, representing one of the highest poverty rates among large U.S. cities. This rate indicates that nearly 1 in 4 residents lives below the poverty line, with child poverty being significantly higher at 38.8%.

Aspects of Memphis Homelessness

• Population Scope: While Point-in-Time (PIT) counts often show over 1,000 residents, advocates estimate the true number of people experiencing homelessness, including those in shelters, cars, and abandoned buildings is significantly higher, with some estimates ranging between 3,500 and 4,200.

• Worsening Trends: The crisis is growing, with reports of tripled numbers of children seeking shelter with parents, and around 3,000 students in Memphis-Shelby County Schools experiencing homelessness.

• Demographics: A majority are African-American men aged 25 or older, but the population includes families and veterans.

• Root Causes: High poverty rates (second-highest among large MSAs at 17.4% in 2025), lack of affordable housing, inflation, and rising rent contribute heavily.

• Shelter & Services: Key providers include the Memphis Union Mission and Room in the Inn, which are managing increased demand. Unfortunately, this Presidential administration is cutting federal funds to combat this problem.

• Many individuals face challenges with mental health, substance abuse, and obtaining identification, making access to traditional shelters difficult.

Knoxville Homeless Overview:

Homelessness in Knoxville and Knox County is increasing, with over 3,500 people per day accessing services in early 2025 due to a severe lack of affordable housing, rising rents, and evictions. With median rent exceeding $1,500, many residents are displaced, with the average time spent homeless increasing as the housing market remains strained.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, approximately 20.2% of the population in Knoxville, Tennessee, lives below the poverty line. This figure represents roughly 37,400 to 40,752 people and is significantly higher than the national average, which was 12.5%.

Key Data Trends (2025-2026):

• Growing Need: Q1 2025 data showed an average of 2,165 people per day using shelters or transitional housing.

• Housing Gap: For every five people who became homeless, only two successfully exited to housing.

• Median Duration: Individuals spend an average of 280 days experiencing homelessness.

• Primary Drivers: Over 50% of individuals cite lack of affordable housing, evictions, and health issues as primary causes.

Chattanooga Homeless Overview

Homelessness in Knoxville and Knox County is increasing, with over 3,500 people per day accessing services in early 2025 due to a severe lack of affordable housing, rising rents, and evictions. With median rent exceeding $1,500, many residents are displaced, with the average time spent homeless increasing as the housing market remains strained.

The overall poverty rate in Chattanooga, TN, is approximately 19.1%, based on recent U.S. Census Bureau data (2020-2024), which is higher than the national average of 12.5%. This rate indicates that roughly 34,400 people in the city live below the poverty line. About 42% of children under 18 in the city live in poverty.

Key Data Trends (2025-2026):

• Growing Need: 2025 data showed an average of 2,165 people per day using shelters or transitional housing.

• Housing Gap: For every five people who became homeless, only two successfully exited to housing.

• Median Duration: Individuals spend an average of 280 days experiencing homelessness.

• Primary Drivers: Over 50% of individuals cite lack of affordable housing, evictions, and health issues as primary causes.

Clarksville Homeless Overview

Clarksville is experiencing a housing crisis driven by rapid population growth, with over 900 homeless children reported in early 2025. The city is considering a shift from temporary, seasonal cold-weather shelters to a permanent, year-round facility, with proposals for a downtown center to provide comprehensive support services, though this has faced community opposition and was delayed in March 2026 for further study.

Based on 2020–2024 U.S. Census Bureau data, the overall poverty rate in Clarksville, TN, is approximately 12.3%. Other sources indicate a similar range, with recent estimates placing the city's poverty rate around 11.7% to 12.33%.

Key Aspects of Homelessness in Clarksville

• Growing Population & Housing Shortage: As one of Tennessee's fastest-growing cities, demand has outpaced housing supply, leading to high housing costs.

• Family Homelessness: Recent reports indicate over 900 homeless children in Montgomery County, with families often living in cars, hotels, or on the streets.

• Current Services: Emergency services are provided through the Canopy Initiative (collaborative effort) and partners like Urban Ministries and Salvation Army.

Rural Tennessee Homeless Overview

The rural counties have been neglected for too long, and it is time to bring equitable justice to these areas. As a farmer and a person who grew up in a rural area, I am committed to bringing economic growth to rural counties in the State of Tennessee.

Homelessness in rural Tennessee is rising rapidly, with a 37% increase reported in Northeast TN in 2025 and a 12% rise in Southeast TN, driven by limited shelter, high housing costs, and limited services. Key issues include high rates of unsheltered, hidden homelessness (camping, doubled up) and the 2022 law making public camping a felony.

Key Trends and Data

• Rapid Increases: Homelessness in Northeast TN has tripled since 2020, with over 900+ individuals counted in early 2025.

• Hidden Population: Rural homelessness often manifests as "doubled up" (staying with others) or living in cars/tents in woods rather than street homelessness seen in cities.

• Unsheltered Rates: In West TN, the unsheltered rate reached 93% in 2024 due to a lack of shelters.

• Demographics: While chronic homelessness exists, rural areas see significant impacts on families, veterans, and increasing numbers of women (40% of unsheltered in West TN).

Contributing Factors

• Affordable Housing Shortage: Rising rent costs (12-17% in some areas) and low wages make housing unobtainable or unaffordable.

• Limited Services: Rural communities struggle with a lack of public transportation, fewer homeless shelters, and limited access to mental health/substance abuse resources.

• Natural Disasters: Events like Hurricane Helen contributed significantly to displacement, accounting for 10% of reported homelessness in some 2025 assessments.

• Tennessee was the first state to make camping on public property a felony (2022), which has heavily impacted rural areas.

• 30% of rural individuals in one study were unaware of available services in their community.

VETERANS:

ISSUES SPECIFICALLY TOWARD HOMELESS VETERANS:

As the next Governor of the State of Tennessee, no veteran should be homeless. These men and women gave their lives to this country, and I will not allow them to be mistreated in the State of Tennessee. If we truly believe in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, it very well starts here. No veteran will be forcibly institutionalized on my watch due to being homeless. I will maintain their dignity and pride through an aggressive V.I.P. Plan.

(a) This egregious act is an abomination toward our veterans who have given their lives for this country. The Trump Administration announced a plan to strip homeless veterans of their rights and autonomy. This unprecedented partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Veterans Affairs does nothing to address homelessness or to help people access the quality care that all people deserve. Instead, the Trump Administration is using homeless veterans as their latest political pawn to dehumanize all homeless people while ignoring the real cause of homelessness: the fact that the rent is too high for a growing number of people.

(b) I will work closely with the Veteran Administration to eradicate any bias and unethical military and housing policies, Housing Urban Division (HUD), and Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) to ensure that these veterans are not violated on Tennessee soil.

(c) Let us be clear: fewer rights do not solve homelessness – the only real solutions are housing and supportive services.  This Presidential administration's gimmick does nothing to expand the very rental assistance and supportive services that have already reduced veteran homelessness by over 50% over the past 15 years.

(b) I will contest the HUD plan that threatens to evict veterans from certain Tennessee facilities.

(c) I will repeal all policies that bring harm to veterans. As of March 2026, there are reports that a new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) policy could lead to homeless veterans being forced into mental health facilities or institutions against their will, with specific concerns raised about the impact on veterans in Tennessee.

(d) As the next Governor of the State of Tennessee, I will stand against the Forced Guardianship Plan. The VA has initiated a pilot project called " Project Safe Harbor," which allows VA attorneys to initiate state-level guardianship or conservatorship proceedings for homeless veterans deemed unable to make their own medical or social decisions.

(e) Potential Evictions in Tennessee: Advocates and veterans in Memphis, Tennessee, fear that this policy, combined with a potential shift from permanent housing to transitional housing, could lead to the eviction of veterans from current, stable housing situations.

(f) Concerns over Autonomy: Advocates warn that this initiative, part of a new partnership between the VA and the Department of Justice, could be used to force veterans into institutions or strip them of their rights to choose where they live.

(g) Memphis Impact: A 78-year-old Air Force veteran in Memphis stated that this plan could force him back to living in his car.

(h) This policy is part of a broader, controversial push by the administration to change how homeless veteran services are handled, with opponents arguing it penalizes veterans rather than addressing the root cause of homelessness.

(i) Transitional housing provides short-term shelter to ideally bridge the gap between emergencies and permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness. It is typically offered for up to two years, but homeless advocates say the average length spent in transitional housing tends to be much shorter, only a few months, with many returning to homelessness.

However, Tennessee has implemented policies to criminalize public camping and has established dedicated, secure housing units for veterans within state prisons.

Here is a breakdown of the relevant information:

• Veterans-Only Prison Housing (2019): The Tennessee Department of Corrections opened specialized, "veterans-only" housing units at three state prisons to focus on rehabilitation and structure for incarcerated veterans, according to a 2019 announcement.

  Governing

• Criminalization of Homelessness (2022-2025): Tennessee was the first state to make it a felony to camp on public property, and subsequent laws have continued to target unhoused individuals, potentially leading to incarceration for the homeless, including veterans.

• Transitional Housing Initiatives (2024-2026): Conversely, organizations like Operation Stand Down Tennessee and Tunnel to Towers are actively opening new, supportive transitional housing facilities for veterans in Nashville and Memphis to move them into stable, private housing.

• Operation Hero's Hill (2025-2026): In Knox County, a project is constructing tiny homes for veterans, using individuals in re-entry programs from the Knox County Detention Facility for construction, which may be the origin of the association between the project and a detention center.

• While veteran-specific programs within the prison system exist, current efforts are focused on building tiny homes and transitional facilities to house homeless veterans.

Atwater's Goal and Strategies:

• I will work with the legislative body to rescind all bills that have caused harm to the homeless population in the State of Tennessee.

• Focus on community-informed solutions to address poverty and homelessness.

• Proposed Permanent Shelter: Implementing permanent, year-round homeless shelters across the State of Tennessee with support services. The proposed facility aims to offer case management, mental health assistance, job opportunities, and transitional housing.

• Collaborate with non-profits and federal programs to promote the Emergency Assistance Program to provide financial aid for utilities and rent to prevent homelessness.

• Allocating $100 Million to address homelessness across the State of Tennessee. Reassessing governmental waste, taxing the top 1%, analyzing tax incentives, and retrofitting police cars and government vehicles with solar panels and EVs.

• Identify empty buildings owned by the city, county, or state to refurbish into homeless living quarters, such as nursing homes, schools, and hotels.

• Within two years, Atwater plans to decrease the homeless population by 50%.

• My Tennessee policy will be to focus on housing and wrap-around services for unhoused individuals and not enforcement. As of May 2026, the federal approach to homelessness is shifting toward enforcement, with HUD planning to update its Continuum of Care (CoC) funding by June 1, 2026, to prioritize "self-sufficiency," transitional housing, and services like job training. This marks a move away from "Housing First" toward policies that focus on involuntary treatment and encampment removal.

• My Tennessee policy will be to address the holistic needs of homeless individuals and not penalize the poor. I will incorporate tiny homes, group housing, and adaptable living quarters.

• Erect tiny homes with solar panels adorning the rooftop, with a Tesla battery pack, a waterless water heater, a corn-burning heater, and rain barrels. To assist with financial hardship, renewable energy sustainability off the grid.

• Installation of strategic solar panel farms and rooftop gardens.

• Tennessee Budget allocation for adult trike bicycles with rear baskets to transport to grocery stores and medical clinics. This collaboration will be with community partners, non-profits, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA).

• Satellite mobile food pantry and clothing stations.

• Reinstating the CEDA Training Programs for unhoused individuals. Implementing innovative job training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), solar panel (photovoltaic) installation, masonry, carpentry, electrician tech, welding, bricklaying, landscaping, gardening, etc.

• PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness): This federal grant program provides funding to assist people experiencing homelessness who have mental illnesses or co-occurring disorders

Wrap-around services:

1. Drug counseling

2. Healthcare Assessments

3. Mental Counseling

4. High School Diploma - Reading Literacy

5. Financial Literacy

6. Housing Management

7. Conflict Resolution

OLDER ADULTS

Homeless elders (aged 50+) in Tennessee are a rapidly growing, vulnerable population facing extreme health risks, with homelessness in some areas rising by over 35% in 2025.

(a) Offers emergency shelter and transitional housing for seniors aged 60 and older.

(b) Collaborating with the Aging Commission and Area Agencies on Aging and Disability (AAAD).

(c) The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) or “Voucher” program is a federal rental assistance program funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) where very low-income individuals, families, the elderly, and the disabled receive assistance to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. THDA administers the Housing Choice Voucher program in 72 Tennessee counties.

(d) Identify the other 23 counties, especially in rural counties.

INDIVIDUAL ADULTS

Homeless young adults (ages 18–24) in Tennessee face significant housing instability, with specialized services available in major hubs like Nashville and Memphis to provide rapid rehousing, transitional housing, and support services.

YOUTH/TEENAGER

The number of homeless children and youth in Tennessee is increasing, driven by economic factors and, in some cases, improved identification methods.

(a) In 2024, 7% of unaccompanied homeless youth in Tennessee were children under 18.

(b) Causes include aging out of the foster care system, family dysfunction, and economic instability.

(c) In 2022, Tennessee became the first state to make camping on public property a felony, with stricter laws enacted in 2025 targeting the unhoused population.

PEOPLE WHO ARE CHRONICALLY HOMELESS

Chronically homeless individuals in Tennessee, defined as unaccompanied adults with disabilities experiencing long-term or repeated homelessness, total over 1,700 as of 2024, with significant concentrations in Metro areas like Nashville and Knoxville. Rising housing costs and limited affordable options are driving the crisis, with over 50% of the state's homeless population being unsheltered.

Data on Chronic Homelessness (2024–2025):

• Total Affected: 1,723 individuals in Tennessee were considered chronically homeless in 2024, per End Homelessness.

• Unsheltered Rates: Roughly 53% of all Tennesseans experiencing homelessness live in places not meant for human habitation (unsheltered).

• Nashville Area: In February 2024, 42% of Nashville’s homeless population (1,595 people) was experiencing chronic homelessness.

• Regional Increases: Homelessness in Northeast Tennessee rose by more than 35% in 2025.

Drivers and Challenges:

• Housing Costs: Rising housing costs in Tennessee have fueled an increase in homelessness.

• Criminalization: In 2022, Tennessee became the first state to make camping on public property a felony, with continued legal moves targeting the unhoused in 2025.

• Health Issues: Many individuals face significant medical needs, leading to the creation of specialized outreach teams in cities like Knoxville.

Regional Data Trends:

• Knox County: Experienced a significant increase in chronic homelessness since 2018, particularly with families living in vehicles.

• Memphis/Shelby County: Showed a 39% decrease in chronic homelessness among individuals between 2012 and 2014, although recent trends indicate a regional rise in overall homelessness.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS

(a) When women flee domestic abuse, they are often forced to leave their homes, with nowhere else to turn. Landlords also sometimes turn victims of domestic violence out of their homes because of the violence against them. For years, advocates have known that domestic violence is a primary cause of homelessness for women and families. Studies from across the country confirm the connection between domestic violence and homelessness and suggest ways to end the cycle in which violence against women leads to life on the streets.

(b) Trapped Between Violence and Homelessness: Housing instability and a lack of safe and affordable housing options heighten the risks for women experiencing domestic violence. A lack of alternative housing often leads women to stay in or return to violent relationships. A woman who has experienced domestic violence will often have little or no access to money and very few friends or family members to rely on if she flees a violent relationship.

(c) Domestic Violence and Poverty: Poor women, who are more vulnerable to homelessness, are also at greater risk of domestic violence. Poverty limits women’s choices and makes it harder for them to escape violent relationships.

(d) While women at all income levels experienced domestic violence, poor women experience domestic violence at higher rates than women with higher household incomes. Women with household incomes of less than $7,500 are 7 times as likely as women with household incomes over $75,000 to experience domestic violence.

(e) Women living in rental housing experience intimate partner violence at three times the rate of women who own their homes.

(f) Women living in poor neighborhoods are more likely to be the victims of domestic violence than women in more affluent neighborhoods. Indeed, women in financially distressed couples who live in poor neighborhoods are twice as likely to be victims of domestic violence as women in equally financially distressed relationships living in more affluent neighborhoods.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

In Tennessee, the intersection between homelessness and human trafficking is significant, with approximately 80% of trafficking victims experiencing homelessness. Traffickers often exploit vulnerabilities like lack of stable housing, substance abuse, and poor mental health to recruit victims.

(a) A statewide network ensuring survivors in every county have access to specialized care and safe beds.

(b) Partners with other agencies to provide emergency housing and community reintegration.

(c) Incorporate programs with community organizations to offer comprehensive support, including safe housing, therapy, and job training.

Substance Abuse and Homelessness

(a) Homelessness and addiction often occur simultaneously, and, unfortunately, many people struggling with both issues are unable to get the help they need. Substance abuse can develop due to the stressors associated with homelessness. On the other hand, addiction can also contribute to home loss. Additionally, many homeless people suffer from addiction as well as other co-occurring psychiatric disorders, which can further complicate their living situations.

(b) According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, substance abuse is more prevalent in people who are homeless than in those who are not. In many instances, substance abuse is the result of the stress of homelessness, rather than the other way around. Many people begin using drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with the pressures of homelessness.

(c) It can be more challenging for people who are homeless to stop using substances because they may not have easy access to treatment, often have smaller social support networks, may have decreased motivation to quit drugs or alcohol, and may have other, higher priorities, such as finding housing or food.

(4) Most research shows that around 1/3 of people who are homeless have problems with alcohol and/or drugs, and around 2/3 of these people have lifetime histories of drug or alcohol use disorders.

MENTAL INCOMPETENCY VICTIMS OF HOMELESSNESS

(a) Mental incompetency victims in Tennessee face severe risks of chronic homelessness, with limited state resources leading to long wait times for care or jail stays. While Tennessee is working to expand state-run treatment beds for those ruled "incompetent to stand trial," there is a shortage of supportive housing for those with intellectual disabilities or severe mental health conditions.

Current Crisis in Tennessee

• Treatment Shortages: Tennessee has a severe shortage of treatment beds for intellectually disabled individuals charged with crimes, with only about 6-12 beds specialized for this purpose.

• Incompetence and Jail: Individuals ruled "incompetent to stand trial" often wait in jails, rather than hospitals, because of a lack of available beds, often resulting in them becoming homeless once they are released.

• Systemic Gaps: Mental health crises, coupled with inadequate insurance coverage or inability to navigate the system, cause people to fall through the cracks, leading to homelessness.

• Policy Initiatives: Recent legislation, including Jillian's Law, requires defendants ruled incompetent to stand trial to go to a mental health treatment facility rather than returning to the streets.

• Jillian's Law (Tennessee HB1640/SB1769), effective July 1, 2024, mandates that criminal defendants charged with felonies or Class A misdemeanors who are found incompetent to stand trial due to mental illness or intellectual disability be involuntarily committed for treatment rather than released. The law, honoring 18-year-old Belmont student Jillian Ludwig, also mandates the surrender of firearm rights for those committed.

Challenges for Individuals

• Disability & Safety: People with severe disabilities, such as schizophrenia or intellectual disabilities, often cannot maintain consistent care, leading to incidents with law enforcement and subsequent housing loss.

• Limited Support: Even when public housing is provided, there may be challenges with the suitability of the housing, and many residents struggle with the transition.