Louisiana bill will make sleeping on streets a misdemeanor statewide
By Travers Mackel
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NEW ORLEANS (WDSU) — A recently passed Louisiana bill, HB 211, could make sleeping on public streets and sidewalks a misdemeanor statewide if signed into law by the governor.
The legislation, authored by Metairie state Rep. Debbie Villio, allows for the arrest of individuals sleeping on public streets and sidewalks. Those arrested would be required to undergo treatment, including drug rehabilitation, alcohol abuse counseling, mental health care, and other services.
Many reportedly refuse such treatment.
Sarah Parks, who runs the nonprofit homeless assistance group Grace at the Green Light, criticized the bill.
“I think it’s an awful idea that will only hurt the community,” Parks said.
“I think it’s discriminatory and can be used in ways to target individuals,” she added.
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley expressed support for the bill, citing concerns about violence among the homeless population.
“We are going to enforce it as I’m glad to see Rep. Villio put in the bill the assessments for drug abuse and mental illness so we can get help for these individuals,” Conley said.
Lawmakers are divided on the legislation.
“It’s really more an idea of getting them on a path to get the help they need. The vast majority of homeless people have mental health issues and need that attention,” said State Sen. Kirk Talbot, a Republican from River Ridge.
“You can’t solve the issue of homelessness by arresting people. It’s a lazy approach and flawed method,” said State Sen. Royce Duplessis, a Democrat from New Orleans.
The New Orleans Police Department has not indicated whether it will enforce the law, but Louisiana State Police are expected to do so.
“This is just further creating challenges for individuals,” said Parks.
The bill would ban sleeping on public streets and sidewalks statewide, not just in the New Orleans area, and the arrest for this offense would be classified as a misdemeanor.
Villio says in 2024, on average, over 3,400 people across the state were homeless on a nightly basis. Over 1,900 were in emergency shelters, and the other 1,500 were on the streets.
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