Bill > H437

This bill establishes "Drug-Free Homeless Service Zones" by increasing the punishment for certain drug offenses committed within these designated areas, making them a Class E felony if the offender knows or should know they are in such a zone, and a Class H felony for facility operators who intentionally allow drug offenses to occur; these zones are defined as areas around facilities providing shelter or transitional housing to homeless persons, with specific signage requirements to alert individuals, and the bill also bans unauthorized public camping or sleeping on public property, allowing local governments to designate specific areas for temporary camping for up to one year, but only after meeting strict criteria and receiving certification from the Department of Labor, which includes ensuring there are insufficient homeless shelter beds, that the designated area is not adjacent to residential property, and that a plan is in place for safety, sanitation, and access to behavioral health services, with provisions for civil action against local governments that fail to comply.