Prohibiting camping in public places

SB 504 prohibits camping in public places like sidewalks, parks, streets, and under bridges without permission from authorities. It defines "camp" as temporarily residing with shelter (including tents or shelters for weather protection) and makes violations a misdemeanor punishable by fines ($100-$1,000), up to 40 hours of community service, or a free bus ticket to one of six cities for first offenses. Officers must first try to offer alternatives (like shelter services) before issuing citations, unless an immediate safety threat exists. The bill does not override stricter local camping bans but requires consistency with its penalties.