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Appropriations committee deadlocks on shelter-and-encampment bill after widespread concerns
Summary
Representative Knox’s bill to authorize designated public camping areas with minimum standards and inspections failed to pass the House Appropriations Committee after a roll-call vote. Supporters said the measure would provide dignity and basic sanitation; opponents warned of unfunded mandates and risks to federal funding for service providers.
The House Appropriations Committee voted on House Bill 619, a bill by Representative Knox that would allow municipalities to designate sites for public camping with minimum standards (porta-potties and hand-washing stations), require inspections and authorize an encampment mitigation fund. The sponsor said the measure is optional for local governments and intended to create humane, accountable options where unsanctioned encampments exist.
Proponents, including the bill sponsor and several parish clerks and local officials, described recurring recruitment and…
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