The controversial bill (HB 1365) passed during the legislative session that ended last week. It would bar cities and counties from allowing people to sleep at places such as public buildings and in public rights of way. It would allow local governments to designate certain property for sleeping or camping if the sites meet standards set by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
DeSantis has voiced support for the bill. In all, DeSantis received nine bills Tuesday from the Legislature. He will have until March 27 to sign, veto or allow the bills to become law without his signature.
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“What we don’t want to see in the legislation is any incentive to create homeless camps.”
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The Republican-controlled Senate Community Affairs Committee approved the bill along party lines.
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Democrats and homeless advocates who opposed the bill contended it would increase local-government costs and drive homeless people into wooded areas.
This article appears in Mar 7-13, 2024.