SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois legislators are considering a law that would prohibit cities from imposing fines or criminal penalties against homeless residents occupying public property.
House Bill 1429 would amend the Bill of Rights for the Homeless Act to prevent local governments from creating ordinances or giving fines, or criminal penalties to unsheltered homeless occupying or “engaging in life-sustaining activities” on public property.
The language of the bill does provide exceptions to maintain access to public property or address risks to public health or safety…