Signed by Governor Jeff Landry

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that prohibits camping on public property and establishes a homelessness court program in Louisiana.

Highlights:

• Establishes the Homelessness Court Program to provide treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues for individuals experiencing homelessness in order to reduce recidivism and prison overcrowding (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes district courts to create specific divisions for the program and establish a probation system, administered by a judge or designated employee (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes a district attorney to propose that a defendant be screened for the program if they are experiencing homelessness and have been arrested for a misdemeanor or felony (Sec. 1).  

• Requires participants to be under program supervision for a least 12 months, which may include confinement in a treatment facility or community-based aftercare (Sec. 1). 

• Prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions for homicide, sex offenses, or crimes of violence from participating in the program (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the court may dismiss criminal charges and set aside convictions for participants who successfully complete the program requirements (Sec. 1). 

• Prohibits “unauthorized camping on public property,” which is defined as the initial use of a tent, shelter, or bedding for overnight use on public property that is not a designated campground (Sec. 2). 

• Classifies unauthorized camping as a crime punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to 6 months in prison, or both (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes local governments to designate specific property for public camping for 1-year periods if there are not enough open beds in homeless shelters  (Sec. 3). 

• Requires local governments that designate property for camping to maintain safety and sanitation standards, including access to clean restrooms and running water (Sec. 3). 

• Specifies that this Act takes effect upon the Governor’s signature, with certain provisions regarding public camping immunity becoming effective January 1, 2027 (Sec. 6-7).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that prohibits camping on public property and establishes a homelessness court program in Louisiana.

Highlights:

• Establishes the Homelessness Court Program to provide treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues for individuals experiencing homelessness in order to reduce recidivism and prison overcrowding (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes district courts to create specific divisions for the program and establish a probation system, administered by a judge or designated employee (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes a district attorney to propose that a defendant be screened for the program if they are experiencing homelessness and have been arrested for a misdemeanor or felony (Sec. 1).  

• Requires participants to be under program supervision for a least 12 months, which may include confinement in a treatment facility or community-based aftercare (Sec. 1). 

• Prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions for homicide, sex offenses, or crimes of violence from participating in the program (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the court may dismiss criminal charges and set aside convictions for participants who successfully complete the program requirements (Sec. 1). 

• Prohibits “unauthorized camping on public property,” which is defined as the initial use of a tent, shelter, or bedding for overnight use on public property that is not a designated campground (Sec. 2). 

• Classifies unauthorized camping as a crime punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to 6 months in prison, or both (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes local governments to designate specific property for public camping for 1-year periods if there are not enough open beds in homeless shelters  (Sec. 3). 

• Requires local governments that designate property for camping to maintain safety and sanitation standards, including access to clean restrooms and running water (Sec. 3). 

• Specifies that this Act takes effect upon the Governor’s signature, with certain provisions regarding public camping immunity becoming effective January 1, 2027 (Sec. 6-7).

Full Bill Text