A newly signed law in Mississippi will prohibit camping on public property unless designated by local authorities, aiming to address issues related to blight and public health. Governor Tate Reeves signed House Bill 1203, authored by Representative Shanda Yates, which intends to alleviate the burdens faced by local businesses and residents due to makeshift encampments.
Rep. Yates emphasized that the bill is not a solution to homelessness but a measure to combat the accumulation of trash and debris in public spaces. “It’s frustrating for business owners and homeowners who are constantly dealing with the aftermath,” Yates stated. The legislation mandates law enforcement to issue a 24-hour notice to individuals camping unlawfully. Items left behind, unless associated with criminal activity, may be discarded, and violators will incur a $50 fine.
The bill’s objective is to encourage those living in unauthorized encampments to seek more suitable housing options. However, Putalamus White, Executive Director of the Jackson Resource Center, expressed concerns about the lack of resources available to support this transition. “While some accountability is necessary, shelters are already at capacity,” White noted, suggesting that the law might lead to a transient homeless population relocating throughout the city.
The law is scheduled to take effect on July 1, raising questions about its immediate impact on the city’s homeless community and the availability of adequate shelter and resources.
