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House approves ban on camping in undesignated public areas after contentious debate
Summary
House Bill 1203 passed after a protracted floor debate and several amendments and motions; supporters said it addresses public safety and blight, while opponents warned it would criminalize homelessness without adequate shelter capacity.
The Mississippi House approved House Bill 12‑03, a measure that bans camping in areas not designated for that use and prescribes civil penalties, after several hours of testimony and a heated floor exchange.
Representative (Heinz) explained the bill, saying it prohibits setting up tents, sleeping bags or other camping materials in public spaces not marked for camping and sets a maximum fine of $50 for a violation in one section; other code cross‑references to existing obstruction statutes were discussed separately and can carry larger penalties under existing law. The sponsor emphasized the bill targets litter, exposed drug paraphernalia and public‑safety concerns when temporary encampments appear in parks, school grounds or playgrounds.
Opponents pressed that the bill would displace people experiencing homelessness without ensuring shelter capacity. During floor debate, lawmakers asked whether cities or counties operate shelters, whether fees would be charged at state campgrounds and how law enforcement should handle personal property seized from camps. The sponsor repeatedly said district hearings included testimony from local law enforcement and municipal representatives and that long‑term housing solutions were discussed in committee but were not part of the bill.
Floor amendments included an attempt to table the bill; that motion was debated and voted on. The motion to table was defeated and the bill ultimately passed on a roll call, 72 yeas to 32 nays. Lawmakers also discussed an enforcement provision: the bill requires law enforcement to store personal items removed from an encampment for 30 days (unless held as evidence), and it says judges must consider the totality of circumstances before assessing a fine; the bill also states that fines may not include imprisonment for a simple camping violation.
Supporters said the measure protects children and public spaces and provides local governments a mechanism to address hazardous encampments. Opponents insisted the state should fund long‑term shelter and services rather than expand criminal penalties for the unhoused.
The House recorded final passage by machine vote: 72 yeas, 32 nays. The bill moves on for further consideration.
