Las Vegas adopts ban that prohibits sleeping, camping on streets and sidewalks

[Eugene]

Source: NBC News

Las Vegas adopts ban that prohibits sleeping, camping on streets and sidewalks

Opponents say the measure unfairly criminalizes the city's homeless population.

Nov. 6, 2019, 10:01 PM EST
By Anita Hassan

The Las Vegas City Council approved a controversial ban Wednesday that makes it illegal to camp or sleep on the streets in parts of the city, a measure critics say unfairly criminalizes homeless people.

The ordinance, which passed 5-2 after several hours of public comment, makes it a misdemeanor to rest, sleep or “lodge” in Las Vegas’ downtown district and other residential areas if shelter beds are available. Violators will be fined up to $1,000 or jailed for up to six months.

“There is very significant research and data that will confirm that public safety and criminal justice systems are the most expensive course of action for working with individuals affected by homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse,” council member Brian Knudsen, who voted against the ordinance, said during the meeting.

Knudsen represents Ward 1, which includes the city's medical district — an area that will be affected by the ban. “As a good steward of tax dollars, there are other paths that are more responsible for providing services while protecting the tax-paying public’s interests," he said.

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Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/las-vegas-adopts-ban-prohibits-sleeping-camping-streets-sidewalks-n1078006

[Rollo]

1. Most arrested under this law would likely wind up in jail...

So they would get a free bed and food, all at the taxpayers' expense. Knudsen makes a good point: there are better ways to address this problem than locking up those who continue to "lodge" in the listed district.

And, I'm wondering what will happen to down-and-out dead drunk gamblers...

[Newest Reality]

2. Considering

Considering that homelessness is a big part of the future now and will only be increasing, there are two routes that can be taken.

The route where the most good is done with the least amount of money seems to be less attractive than the punitive one. What a position to put people who are veterans of street life and the many new ones that will be joining their ranks. When you have no place to go, you become a potential criminal just for that alone. This is deplorable.

Not only are we seeing little to nothing being done about rising rent costs and affordable housing, (Carson says that's not HUD's problem) and wages have not generally been keeping up with the cost of living for decades, but we are going to see droves of seniors living on the streets to the point that it will be very obvious. There are 10,000 people reaching 65 per day now. Half of them have no assets or pensions, i.e., nothing to rely on.

So, as we step over seniors on the streets before they are dragged to prison and fined, we may want to force the issue here about doing something proactive. Las Vegas is making a big, heartless mistake and so are any municipalities who refuse to face the reality of this crises.

[Turbineguy]

3. That's almost as good an idea

as waving a magic wand!

Fining a homeless person $1000, now there's an idea. After all, as Reagan famously said, "They must like fresh air!"

[maxsolomon]

4. If Seattle's ban is any precedent, it won't be strictly enforced

It give the cops a tool to deal with public nuisances.

I walk past multiple people sitting, sleeping, and camping on downtown sidewalks every day.

[Thomas Hurt]

5. sure, lets do this, arrest them, put them in jail.

the jails will be full of homeless folks who could probably use a cot and meal. Unfortunately along with that will be overcrowding. Next thing that will happen is that those among the homeless who are mentally ill are going require care.

but since this is the current cause de fascisti we are going to do this wrong headed tough love bee ess.

[Wellstone ruled]

6. This Story is about to come back and bite those

five Council Members in their fat asses big time. Fact,we have 10% of our CCSD Students that are Homeless. Do the friggin math,330k Students,your going to lock them up,think of the PR nightmare that is coming at you.

As usual,the Clueless have spoken. The same members most likely have board sets on the Las Vegas Visitor and Convention Bureau. Can't be having those Homeless folks bothering them Foreigners seeing our failed US economic policies.

[customerserviceguy]

7. Is there an exception

for people who pass out on the sidewalk because they've been overserved?

[lpbk2713]

8. Every medium to large city has street people.

The Chamber of Commerce needs to get over it.

[Towlie]

9. If these shelter beds are available, accessible, and much better than sleeping on a sidewalk then...

[AllaN01Bear]

10. we keep telling them to move on and go somewhere else , where do they go.

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