Advocates are criticizing a bill targeting the homeless, which is awaiting the signature of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. It would make unauthorized camping, or sleeping outside, in public spaces a crime.
House Bill 211 calls for court-supervised programs for those who get picked-up for the misdemeanor offense, which is punishable with fines up to $500 and six months in jail for a first offense. Repeat offenders may face fines up to $1,000 and 1 to 2 years in prison.
As the Louisiana Radio Network reports, Joe Heeren-Mueller, with the Louisiana Advocacy Coalition, says the proposed law, dubbed the “Streets to Success Act" provides an 'empty' solution for the unhoused. “There is no funding in this bill for services or employment or anything else that it suggests that it will provide.”
Critics say the legislation continues a broader national trend of treating homelessness as a crime rather than a social issue or housing crisis. “But we know the reality is that there is a lack of mental healthcare,” said Heeren-Meuller. “There is a lack of living wage employment in our state, and there is a lack of deeply affordable housing for low-income people,” added Heeren-Meuller.
