Bill > HB619

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for addressing public camping and homelessness in Louisiana, creating new regulations that prohibit unauthorized camping in public spaces while providing specific guidelines for how local governments can designate camping areas. The legislation defines "public camping" as lodging or residing overnight in temporary outdoor habitations, with exceptions for recreational camping and vehicle lodging, and requires political subdivisions to meet strict conditions if they choose to designate public camping areas. These conditions include ensuring sufficient safety, sanitation, and health resources, providing a 30-day notice before clearing encampments, and maintaining minimum standards such as access to restrooms, running water, and behavioral health services. The bill also creates an Encampment Mitigation Reimbursement Fund to provide financial support to local governments for compliance, establishes a civil action mechanism allowing residents, business owners, and nonprofit organizations to sue political subdivisions for unauthorized encampments, and mandates oversight of publicly funded homeless service providers through detailed reporting and potential audit requirements. Additionally, the bill requires the Louisiana Department of Health to develop housing standards for emergency shelters and seek federal funding waivers to support healthcare and housing services for individuals experiencing homelessness. The provisions are set to be in effect from June 1, 2026, to June 1, 2029, serving as a temporary policy initiative to address public camping challenges.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HB619&sbi=y