State Assembly To Hear 'Homeless Bill Of Rights' Tuesday
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The homeless in California would legally be allowed to sit, sleep and ask for donations in public without facing criminal citations under an Assembly bill receiving its first hearing.
The bill from Democratic Assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco says every person has a right to use public spaces, regardless of housing status.
Ammiano's so-called "Homeless Bill of Rights" prohibits police from enforcing local ordinances regarding resting in public places unless a county has provided sufficient support to the homeless. AB5 also requires state government to pay for creating local "hygiene centers" with restrooms and showers open 24 hours a day.
The Assembly Judiciary Committee will hear the bill Tuesday morning.
Local governments and business groups oppose the legislation, saying it would lead to costly mandates and lawsuits.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
