The Lafayette City Council is considering an ordinance that would establish rules and guidelines for removing homeless encampments in the city and make it illegal to camp or squat on public property.
Lafayette Councilman Andy Naquin confirmed the ordinance would “address camping in/on public spaces,“ he wrote in an email. The Acadiana Advocate received a draft copy of the ordinance from a source familiar with the Council.
The draft as it is Thursday would make camping or squatting on public property illegal and punishable by a $500 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail, with a verbal warning required prior. Naquin said the final version would be different because it’s too cumbersome for Lafayette police to enforce as is…