Louisiana House Passes Anti-Homeless Bill Criminalizing Public Sleeping
The Louisiana House of Representatives approved House Bill 211 with a vote of 70-28, making it illegal to sleep in public areas without authorization. Offenders could incur fines of up to $500 and face jail time of up to six months. Those who are repeat offenders may be sentenced to one to two years in prison and fined $1,000. Sponsored by state Rep. Debbie Villio (R-79), the bill now moves to the state Senate. Individuals convicted can opt for mandatory treatment programs, which cost over $4,400 weekly, to avoid incarceration. Opponents, including the National Homelessness Law Center and New Orleans City Councilmember Lesli Harris (D), criticize the bill for its severity and highlight the effectiveness of the Home for Good program. Additionally, the legislation permits local governments to establish semi-permanent camps.
Key facts
- Louisiana House passed HB 211 by 70-28 vote
- Bill criminalizes unauthorized public sleeping with fines up to $500 and imprisonment up to 6 months
- Repeat offenders face 1-2 years prison with hard labor and $1,000 fines
- Defendants can avoid jail by entering mandatory 12-month treatment programs but must pay costs
- Unpaid labor required for those unable to pay treatment costs
- Bill authorizes remote semi-permanent camps for treatment
- National Homelessness Law Center calls it "one of the cruelest anti-homeless bills"
- Follows 2024 Supreme Court decision Grants Pass v. Johnson allowing public-camping bans
Entities
Institutions
- Louisiana House of Representatives
- National Homelessness Law Center
- Gillis Long Poverty Law Center
- Loyola University New Orleans
- Common Dreams
- U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- UNITY of Greater New Orleans
- Cicero Institute
- Housing Not Handcuffs
- Addicted.org
Locations
- Louisiana
- New Orleans
- United States
- Utah
- Salt Lake City