Tampa, Florida – Stephanie Bennett has called a tent in the woods her home for the past eight years. Recently, she learned about a new law that could make living in her tent illegal. The legislation, known as “Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping” (HB 1365), has been sent to Governor Ron DeSantis to sign. If passed, the law will prohibit people from camping or sleeping on public property in local municipalities.
Under the proposed law, municipalities will be required to designate a specific public space for camping and sleeping, provided they receive approval from the Florida Department of Children and Families. The designated area must include security, behavioral health services, and bathrooms with running water. If municipalities fail to comply, businesses and residents will be able to hold the local government accountable in court.
Supporters of the law argue that it takes a compassionate conservative approach, aiming to address the root causes of homelessness such as poverty, mental health issues, and substance use disorders. They believe that previous efforts have not effectively reduced the homeless population. However, critics fear that the law will result in forced internment camps, essentially hiding homeless individuals from society.
The legislation has sparked discussion and action among local governments and homeless advocacy groups across Florida. Various municipalities are considering their options to comply with the law, with some looking into opening overnight shelters, hiring consultants, or exploring alternative approaches.
While the state has increased funding for continuums of care, regional bodies that coordinate housing and services for the homeless, there are concerns about whether counties and cities will provide the necessary funding for expanded services. Additionally, some homeless individuals express doubts about the effectiveness of the proposed encampments, calling for more comprehensive support and assistance.
The debate surrounding the legislation reflects a broader issue of how to address homelessness. Currently, many homeless individuals lack access to adequate housing, sanitation, and essential services like mental health care. The focus should be on addressing the underlying reasons for homelessness and providing individuals with the necessary support and resources to transition out of homelessness.
However, the proposed law has drawn mixed reactions from different communities. Some counties and cities have been proactive in seeking solutions, while others have been slow to respond or have overlooked the issue entirely. The state’s funding allocation for continuums of care is seen as an investment into new standards, aiming to protect public spaces while addressing the needs of homeless individuals.
Governor DeSantis has praised the proposed law as a way to prevent cities from adopting policies that resemble those of San Francisco, which he believes have led to destructive outcomes. While offering potential mental health support from the state, DeSantis remains firm in his stance against allowing people to live in public parks and on streets.
The fate of the proposed law now rests with Governor DeSantis, who is expected to sign it soon. As the discussion around homelessness continues, it remains to be seen how local governments, homeless advocacy groups, and individuals like Stephanie Bennett will navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the new legislation.
[Author’s Note: This article was written in AP News Style and does not contain any direct quotes from news organizations.]