CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The House of Delegates Judiciary Committee passed a camping ban bill Wednesday and sent it to the full House. The committee changed this year’s bill and replaced it with language from last year’s bill that failed to gain final passage.
This year’s bill, HB 5319, which was first discussed Tuesday, called for enhanced penalties to those trying to camp in public places, an effort to target some of the homeless population.
A committee substitute to bill returned softer language including a first warning instead of charges.
Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, spoke against the bill. He said dealing with homeless is a local issue.
“It’s a real issue that needs real issues,” Hansen said. “My concern is that criminalizing homelessness the way this bill does is not the answer.”
Hansen reflected on testimony from a resident who became homeless because of a serious medical diagnosis and subsequent high cost of care. Residents suffering from homelessness need services and help, not punishment, according to Hansen.
“I think we need to have empathy for people who are homeless for reasons like that, and we need to have empathy for people suffering from substance abuse,” Hansen said. “Every human life is precious.”
Morgantown City Council passed a camping ban that ultimately was decided at the ballot box by voters. The process involved local groups on both sides of the issue, a petition, and the election that resulted in public approval of the ban.
“There are a lot of heated feelings on both sides of the issue, but that’s democracy,” Hansen said. “That’s how it’s supposed to work with local problems; you need local solutions.”
Because each municipality is unique, a solution dictated from Charleston won’t be effective. Legislators need to give municipalities the tools and resources they need and allow them to address the problem.
“Municipalities across the state can do the same thing without this committee or this legislature telling them how to manage their own affairs—it’s a local issue,” Hansen said.
In Monongalia County, most of the people served in homeless shelters are from outside the area. Both the city and county fund the shelter and warming shelter, and the county contributes an additional $1 million for social services annually.
“Instead of this legislature having an attitude that these are dirty Democratic cities and we’re going to tell them what to do,” Hansen said. “There should be an appreciation for the fact that these are generous people in generous cities that are taking care of people from across the state.”
The bill passed the committee on a voice vote.