Bill > HB5319

This bill amends West Virginia law to prohibit camping and storing personal property, including tents and sleeping bags, on certain public properties like streets, parks, and trails, with the stated purpose of protecting public health and safety and ensuring these areas remain accessible for their intended uses. The bill defines key terms such as "camp or camping," "camp facilities," "camp paraphernalia," "park," "personal property," "public property," "street," "store," and "trail." It establishes a tiered penalty system for violations, starting with a written warning for a first offense, followed by fines for subsequent offenses, and potentially jail time for a third offense within a year, with each day of violation counting as a new offense. The law also mandates that individuals found to be camping illegally be informed of available alternative shelter options, though the availability of such options does not excuse the violation. Exceptions to these prohibitions include lawful camping in designated campgrounds or trailer parks, camping as prescribed by specific state laws, and overnight lodging in a legally parked and insured motor vehicle.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5319&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill