Bill > LB925

This bill, titled the Safe Parks and Public Spaces Act, aims to prohibit unauthorized street camping in public parks, rights-of-way, and other public spaces, citing concerns about drug use, violence, and disease. The act defines "camp" as using an area as a substitute for regular shelter, evidenced by temporary structures, bedding, or stored personal property, and distinguishes this from a designated "campsite" for recreational purposes. It makes it a misdemeanor to camp in undesignated public areas, with a first offense resulting in a referral to a homeless shelter instead of prosecution. The bill also prevents local governments, referred to as "political subdivisions," from allowing such camping and requires them to enforce existing laws against it. Individuals, businesses, or the Attorney General can file civil lawsuits against political subdivisions that fail to comply, seeking remedies and reimbursement for legal costs. Furthermore, if the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) finds a political subdivision in violation, the State Treasurer will suspend the distribution of state funds to that subdivision until compliance is achieved, with funds held for over six months being forfeited. The bill includes a severability clause, meaning if any part is found invalid, the rest remains in effect, and it declares an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage.

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https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=63081