Thousands Could Be Forced Into Unpaid Labor in Louisiana Under New Bill

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Newsweek

Apr 28, 2026 at 02:37 PM EDT


A controversial bill advancing through the Louisiana Legislature could subject unhoused people to fines, jail time or even unpaid labor if they are found sleeping outdoors. The legislation has sparked sharp backlash from civil rights groups and homelessness advocates who warn it would effectively criminalize poverty.

Under House Bill 211, which was authored by Representative Debbie Villio, a Republican from Kenner, it would be a crime to sleep or camp in unauthorized public areas.

Why It Matters

Supporters frame the proposal as a way to connect people to treatment and services. However, critics argue it would force homeless Louisianans into an impossible choice between incarceration, paying for programs they cannot afford or being compelled to work without pay.

What to Know

The legislation bans “unauthorized camping” on public property, which is broadly defined to include the use of tents, shelters or bedding for overnight sleep in areas that are not designated campgrounds. Law enforcement officers would then be empowered to issue citations or make arrests for violations.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/thousands-could-be-forced-into-unpaid-labor-in-louisiana-under-new-bill-11888298

[LoisB]

1. 21st Century Slavery.

[pecosbob]

2. That's what the new ICE detention centers are for...unpaid captive labor.

[poli-junkie]

3. That's exactly it. They're now generating

laws to capture people into slavery.

[kimbutgar]

4. And I wouldn't be surprised if those in these modern day concentration camps are not white !

[yankee87]

5. Minorities Only

Going to be overwhelming minorities maybe picking cotton? Maybe clean out nuclear reactors without protection.
Nothing will surprise me.

[pat_k]

6. 'And the Union workhouses?' demanded Scrooge. 'Are they still in operation?'

Last week, I posted that I think this regime would be thrilled if they could bring back workhouses as a condition for healthcare for the disabled and working poor.

Looks like they are using Louisiana as a test case for starting with those who are even more vulnerable -- the homeless.

The ultimate goal is to speed the deaths of the "surplus population." Bobby is taking great strides on that front.

‘At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge,’ said the gentleman, taking up a pen, ‘it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and Destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time. Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts, sir.’

‘Are there no prisons?’ asked Scrooge
.
‘Plenty of prisons,’ said the gentleman, laying down the pen again.

‘And the Union workhouses?’ demanded Scrooge. ‘Are they still in operation?’

‘They are. Still,’ returned the gentleman, ‘I wish I could say they were not.’

‘The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?’ said Scrooge.

‘Both very busy, sir.’

‘Oh! I was afraid, from what you said at first, that some-thing had occurred to stop them in their useful course,’ said Scrooge. ‘I’m very glad to hear it.’

‘Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude,’ returned the gentleman, ‘a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink. and means of warmth.

We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down for?’

‘Nothing!’ Scrooge replied.

‘You wish to be anonymous?’

‘I wish to be left alone,’ said Scrooge. ‘Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I don’t make merry myself at Christmas and I can’t afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned — they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there.’

‘Many can’t go there; and many would rather die.’

‘If they would rather die,’ said Scrooge, ‘they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.

Besides — excuse me — I don’t know that.’

‘But you might know it,’ observed the gentleman

[Bayard]

7. Indentured servitude

A form of labor in which a person is contracted to work without salary for a specific number of years. The contract, called an "indenture", may be entered voluntarily for a prepaid lump sum, as payment for some good or service (e.g. travel), purported eventual compensation, or debt repayment. An indenture may also be imposed involuntarily as a judicial punishment. The practice has been compared to the similar institution of slavery, although there are differences.

Like any loan, an indenture could be sold. Most masters had to depend on middlemen or ships' masters to recruit and transport the workers, so indentureships were commonly sold by such men to planters or others upon the ships' arrival. Like slaves, their prices went up or down, depending on supply and demand. When the indenture (loan) was paid off, the worker was free but not always in good health or of sound body. Sometimes they might be given a plot of land or a small sum to buy it, but the land was usually poor.[citation needed] While most indentured laborers were adults, children could also be indentured, shifting the upkeep of the child to the contract holder but also giving the contract holder the benefit of the child's labour.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indentured_servitude

[summer_in_TX]

8. "in areas that are not designated campgrounds"

Campgrounds cost $ per day and have a time limit on how long you can stay. Not a choice many homeless can afford to make. Without transportation to get to the next campground, they're stuck.


Campgrounds in Texas for tent campgrounds run about $15 a day for camps with running water and access to toilets.That would be $465 for 31 days and anywhere from $2 (+ $62 low end) to $8 ($248 high end extra) a day for park entry fee. So low end of $527 a month total and high end of $713. I don't know any homeless people who can afford that.

[ChicagoTeamster]

9. Louisiana was one of the worst slave states in the early US pre Civil War. They weren't too nice to poor whites either.

Maybe one of her donors is from a former slave owning family. There's actually lots of them currently in Congress and most Presidents came from slave owning families.