SHREVEPORT, La. — A bill that would make overnight camping on public property a criminal offense is awaiting action from Gov. Jeff Landry after clearing both chambers of the Louisiana Legislature.
House Bill 211, known as the "Streets to Success Act" and authored by state Rep. Debbie Villio, would prohibit the use of tents, shelters or bedding for overnight habitation on public property that is not designated as a campground. The measure is aimed at addressing homeless encampments across the state.
Under the proposal, first-time offenders could face a fine of up to $500 and as much as six months in jail. Repeat offenses could carry fines of up to $1,000 and prison sentences of up to two years, with or without hard labor.
Critics of the legislation argue that homelessness should be addressed through housing and support services rather than criminal penalties.
"Saddling people with arrest records for a problem that is economic in origin is not a way that's going to make our state more economically viable, competitive and make our communities more robust," said Joe Mueller of the Louisiana Advocacy Coalition on Homelessness.
In Shreveport, Hope Connections Executive Director Christa Hawkins said the organization's data shows about 80 adults experience homelessness on any given night in the city. She said the bill fails to address what she considers the root cause of homelessness: a lack of affordable housing.
"The only real solution to homelessness is housing," Hawkins said, arguing that people cannot move indoors if affordable housing options are unavailable.
The legislation also would establish a Homelessness Court Program as an alternative to incarceration. Eligible participants could receive court-supervised access to substance abuse treatment, mental health services, housing assistance, job training and other support programs.
Hawkins said Hope Connections already provides many of those services and warned that increased enforcement could raise costs for taxpayers.
"Jail is the most expensive form of housing there is," Hawkins said, adding that the measure could make it more difficult for outreach workers to locate and assist people experiencing homelessness.
In a statement, Shreveport police PIO Cpl. Chris Bordelon said law enforcement is responsible for enforcing laws enacted by the state while recognizing that homelessness is often tied to broader social and economic issues. He said unmanaged encampments can create health, safety and sanitation concerns and that the department's goal is to keep public spaces safe and accessible.
If signed into law, some provisions would take effect immediately, while the public camping restrictions would begin Jan. 1.