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

The Providence City Council on March 20 approved, on first reading, an ordinance that would bar the city from imposing fines, fees or monetary penalties on individuals for sleeping on public property.

Councilman Juan Sanchez, sponsor of the ordinance, said it responds to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision and is intended to prevent further criminalizing people experiencing homelessness. “This bill would prohibit fining people, whether they’re housed or unhoused, for sleeping on public property,” Sanchez said, adding that existing enforcement for littering, trespassing or public-safety violations would remain available.

Opponents raised concerns about parks, sanitation and enforcement. Councilman Thomas Taylor said encampments often leave hazardous debris and “the garbage is unbelievable,” listing needles, feces and urine in some areas. Councilwoman Althea Graves said she would vote no because certain public places, including playgrounds, should not encourage camping where children and other vulnerable residents congregate.

Supporters said the ordinance does not legalize camping nor remove the city’s ability to clear parks after hours. Council President Pro Tempore Pichardo, the HOPE committee chair, noted that the proposal preserves existing authorities to remove people from public parks at curfew but would prevent the city from issuing fines that residents cannot pay.

On a roll-call vote the ordinance passed first reading with 10 ayes, two nays, two abstentions and one absence. The council recorded the nays as Councilwoman Graves and Councilman Taylor; the clerk identified two abstentions and 10 ay votes.

The ordinance will return to the council for additional readings and any further amendment; supporters and opponents urged continued work on housing solutions and park safety in parallel with the measure.