Committee narrows and hears extensive testimony on street‑camping prohibition; bill held for more work

Representative Davis offered an amendment that narrowed House Bill 1662 to focus on a prohibition of street camping on state or political‑subdivision land. Under the amended language the committee considered, officers would issue a warning on a first encounter and offer to transport a person to a location authorized to provide services or shelter; a second knowing violation, if 24 hours have elapsed since the warning, would be a Class C misdemeanor unless no shelter or services are available within five miles.

The committee heard testimony from more than 20 witnesses in a two‑hour public hearing. Providers and service organizations urged the committee to reject criminalization, warning it would increase fiscal costs and create barriers to housing, while emphasizing evidence‑based alternatives: supportive housing, diversion programs, outreach and better coordination among agencies.

Repr…