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

Louisiana Senate panel advances bill criminalizing unhoused people sleeping on streets

A Louisiana Senate committee April 28 advanced a bill to make sleeping on the streets or other public areas overnight a crime, punishable on first offense by fines, jail time or both. Housing advocates say involving unhoused people in the criminal legal system will only make it harder for them to get housing.

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

The legislation has sparked sharp backlash from homelessness advocates who warn it would effectively criminalize poverty.

Bill to reduce homelessness advances despite concerns about using criminal courts

By Sheridan White | LSU Manship School News Service BATON ROUGE-A proposal aimed at addressing homelessness in Louisiana is advancing through the Legislature, though it has sparked concern among some lawmakers and advocates about charging people living on the streets with criminal misdemeanors. House Bill 211, by Rep. Debbie Villio, R-Kenner, cleared the Senate Judiciary...

Louisiana bill criminalizing homelessness threatens jail time, “unpaid labor”

Louisiana bill criminalizing homelessness threatens jail time, “unpaid labor” Christine McLaren Wed, 04/29/2026 - 05:00 Primary Image Jail time, fines and unpaid labor are all punishments that unhoused people found sleeping outside could be subjected to under a controversial bill advancing through the Louisiana legislature. Under House Bill 211 “unauthorized camping” would be a crime, empowering law enforcement to arrest those in violation.  Ne…