(The Center Square) − A Louisiana Senate bill that would criminalize “unauthorized camping on public property” is drawing opposition from advocates for the homeless, who warn it is fiscally irresponsible and could overburden the justice system.
Snuck into the last page of Senate Bill 196 by Sen. Robert “Bob” Owen, R-Slidell, the law would create a new misdemeanor and felony crime for public camping.
A first offense could bring a fine of up to $500 or six months in jail. A second conviction would carry a mandatory minimum of one year behind bars—with the possibility of up to two years of hard labor—and a $1,000 fine.
The bill also authorizes district courts to set up a new statewide “homeless court” system. Defendants accused of public camping would be required to plead guilty and enter a one-year supervised treatment program. Failure to comply could result in incarceration in a state Department of Corrections facility and reentry into the program.
The proposal, which has not yet been assigned a fiscal note, could strain local governments already struggling with tight budgets. According to a 2019 report from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, it cost the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office $88 million to house prisoners that year.
“Sheriff (Susan) Hutson recently sent out a mailer noting that it costs $53,000 to keep someone in jail for a year. In contrast, it would cost about $16,000 to place that person in supportive housing,” said Angela Owczarek, a director at Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative, in a statement.
“This would be enormously expensive,” Meghan Garvey, a New Orleans attorney, told the Senate Judiciary committee. “Police would be pulled away from addressing more serious crimes. So now we’re talking about law enforcement resources, public defenders, and court time being redirected.”
Under the proposed system, defendants could be expelled from the yearlong treatment program for nearly any reason, triggering incarceration. And by forcing guilty pleas, critics say it imposes lasting consequences — criminal records, court fees, and custody risks for families — on people already facing extreme hardship.
Jennifer Carwile, Vice Chair of Louisiana’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, said there are more constructive options.
“One thing we could do is designate a safe, legal place where people can camp without fear of being robbed or arrested,” Carwile said. “But in the end, if we’re serious about addressing this crisis, we have to invest in housing and rethink our priorities.”
Advocates argue that without new investments in shelter, supportive services, or affordable housing, the legislation amounts to “criminalizing poverty”. For now, the bill remains under review — but its impact is already stirring deep concern.
