Council advances ordinance barring fines for sleeping on public property amid debate over enforcement

The Providence City Council advanced March 20 an ordinance that would prohibit imposing fines on people for sleeping on public property, passing the measure for the first time on a roll call vote of 10 ayes, 2 nays and 2 abstentions.

Councilor Majority Whip Sanchez, sponsor of the ordinance, described it as a narrow change: "this bill, would prohibit fining people, whether they're housed or unhoused for sleeping on public property," and said the measure responds to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision and to the humanitarian concern that issuing fines to people who do not have money only deepens their involvement with the justice system.

Supporters, including members of the HOPE committee and Councilman Reyes, said the ordinance does not legalize camping nor remove existing tools for police to address trespass, public-health or safety violations. Council President Pro Tempore Pichardo and others emphasized committee testimony clarified that parks curfews and other existing enforcement tools remain available.

Opponents warned the measure could worsen sanitation problems near parks and waterways and make enforcement more difficult for businesses and residents. Councilman Taylor said his ward has seen trash, needles and human waste at encampment sites and said he was uncomfortable voting for the change. Councilwoman Graves said she would vote no because of concerns about children and vulnerable people in parks.

The roll call recorded 10 ayes, 2 nays, 2 abstentions and 1 absent; the ordinance passed first reading and will return for further action. Supporters said the mayor’s office and the city solicitor had reviewed the approach and that the administration does not currently issue tickets simply for sleeping outdoors; the ordinance would codify that practice and protect it from future change.