SB 134 West Virginia Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Prohibiting camping in public places

This bill prohibits camping in public spaces like sidewalks, parks, or under bridges without permission, defining "camp" as temporarily residing with shelter (including tents or makeshift structures). It makes violations a misdemeanor punishable by fines ($100-$1,000), community service (up to 40 hours), or a free bus ticket to select cities for first offenses. Officers must first offer alternative shelter options or contact service providers (e.g., for human trafficking prevention) before issuing citations, unless an immediate safety threat exists. The law does not override stricter local camping bans, allowing cities to enforce their own rules.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 12, 2025 Last action Feb 12, 2025
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Full legislative history

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Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Feb 12, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
To Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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