Bill > SB1559

This bill requires municipalities with a population over 500,000 to designate municipal-owned property for temporary camping sites for unsheltered persons, with several key provisions and requirements. Municipalities must request certification from the Arizona Department of Housing by demonstrating a lack of sufficient shelter beds, that the camping site won't negatively impact property values or safety, and by developing standards for the site. These standards must include ensuring safety for unsheltered persons, assigning specific locations within the site, maintaining a registry of users, providing sanitation facilities (like clean toilets, showers, and running water), coordinating behavioral health services, prohibiting illegal substance use, and enforcing all other laws. The site can be used for up to twelve continuous months, and the municipality must publish the site's standards on its official website. The Arizona Department of Housing can inspect the site and may issue a closure notice if standards are not met. Residents, local businesses, or the attorney general can bring civil actions to enforce these requirements, with potential attorney fees awarded to prevailing plaintiffs. The bill defines "camping" as occupying public property not designated as a campsite and an "unsheltered person" as someone whose primary nighttime residence is not meant for human habitation. The bill will become effective on December 31, 2025, and is cited as the "Authorized Temporary Shelter Act".

Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82997