A NEW law designed to ban people from sleeping in public places is to come into force in a US state in just weeks – and offenders could see jail time.
But, there is an exemption for drivers in Florida who snooze in cars that are properly parked.
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The bill, which has been signed into law by former presidential candidate Ron DeSantis, will come into effect on October 1, per the state legislature.
It cracks down on unauthorized camping and public sleeping.
Under the measure, sleeping in public places will be banned, per the Tallahassee Democrat.
Local officials and state governments could impose penalties such as potential jail time, per the NBC affiliate WFLA-TV.
The law will allow county officials in Florida to plot out areas that allow camping – but only when shelters in the Sunshine State are full.
However, the sites must be approved by bosses at the Florida Department of Children and Families.
But the shelters must have round-the-clock security and be equipped with bathrooms.
Residents will also be banned from drinking alcohol and taking drugs.
Lawmakers have warned that any new area cannot negatively impact the prices of other properties in the nearby surroundings.
The bill has sparked division among lawmakers.
Some believe the way resources and support is provided to homeless people in Florida will be streamlined.
And, DeSantis has vowed the measure will be able to help those struggling with homelessness.
But, critics have claimed the bill doesn’t address the issues of homelessness.
“We are literally reshuffling the visibility of unhoused individuals with no exit strategy for people who are experiencing homelessness.” Shevrin Jones, a Democratic state senator, told fellow lawmakers in a debate.
Some fear that homelessness could become criminalized.
How is Florida trying to tackle homelessness?
FLORIDA Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill designed to combat homelessness. It is just one measure set to come into force on October 1. But what is the law designed to do?
- It cracks down on unauthorized camping and public sleeping
- The law will allow county officials in Florida to plot out areas that allow camping
- But sites must be approved by officials at the Florida Department of Children and Families
It’s estimated more than 30,000 people are homeless in Florida, per the Florida Coalition to End Homelessness.
The law will come into force just months after the Supreme Court ruled city and state officials can ban people from sleeping in public areas.
The motion was passed in a 6-3 verdict in June.
And, it seemed to inspire cities across the country to take a much more aggressive approach to combatting homelessness.
Earlier this summer, California Governor Gavin Newsom was seen clearing homeless camps that had emerged under highways in Los Angeles.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed has been spearheading efforts for stricter measures when it comes to tackling homelessness.
Business owners in the city have noted how sidewalks are much more cleaner.
The city has dramatically increased the number of beds on offer and accommodation in recent years.