Bill > HB1429

This bill amends the Bill of Rights for the Homeless Act to provide expanded protections for individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Illinois. The bill prohibits state and local governments from imposing fines or criminal penalties on people experiencing unsheltered homelessness for occupying or engaging in life-sustaining activities on public property. Life-sustaining activities are broadly defined to include moving, resting, sitting, standing, lying down, sleeping, protecting oneself from the elements, eating, drinking, and storing personal property. The bill allows exceptions for maintaining public access to property or addressing serious and imminent risks to public health and safety, but requires that any enforcement be done with specific notice requirements and a good faith effort to provide alternative resources such as transportation and social services. The legislation also expands the definition of "housing status" and introduces new terms like "unsheltered homelessness" and "enforcing entity" to clarify the scope of protections. Importantly, the bill mandates that before taking any enforcement action, authorities must provide written and verbal notice, and make efforts to help individuals find shelter and long-term housing solutions. The overall intent is to prevent the criminalization of homelessness and ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness are treated with dignity and provided supportive alternatives.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1429&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104