Florida would ban thousands of homeless people from camping or sleeping on public property under a bill sent to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis by lawmakers who support the idea.
Under the bill, which the Senate passed 27-12 late Tuesday, counties would be able to designate areas where homeless people can camp for up to a year, with approval from the state Department of Children and Families. Those using these encampments are prohibited from using alcohol or illegal drugs.
Supporters say the bill would help eliminate the nuisance of homeless people living on public property and parks. They also argue that having the homeless gathered in one place will make it easier to provide local services to the homeless.
Gov. Newsom: ‘People want more from us’ – Californians to vote on homeless ballot measure
“It’s our responsibility to address homelessness, and that’s why we can’t wait any longer for this solution,” said Republican Sen. Jonathan Martin, the bill’s sponsor. “The current model doesn’t work. “I haven’t.” “This bill is a compassionate response to the shelter shortage.”
A person sleeps inside a makeshift shelter on a park bench in downtown Miami late Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. Florida would ban homeless people from setting up camps or sleeping on public property under a bill sent by lawmakers to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. I support this idea. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
Martin said about 30,000 Floridians are homeless, and about half of them have no shelter.
But opponents argued the bill was simply an effort to round up homeless people and remove them from public life.
“This bill does not and will not address the more pressing root causes of homelessness,” said Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones. “We are literally reshaping the visibility of unhoused people without having an exit strategy for people experiencing homelessness.”
Opponents also said there is nothing in the bill to ensure that sex offenders and children do not live closely together in government-designated detention centers or that the detention centers are safe and sanitary.
The bill defines a public camp as “an outdoor temporary dwelling that is used as a dwelling or living space and is evidenced by the construction of a tent or other temporary shelter, the presence of bedding or pillows, or the storage of personal property. It is defined as “to stay.”
It does not apply to people sleeping in legally parked vehicles.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
If signed by DeSantis, it will go into effect on October 1st.
