West Virginia House Passes Statewide Encampment Ban

WV House approves bill that would impose jail time, fines for camping on public property

The West Virginia House of Delegates has approved a bill that would impose jail time and fines for homeless people who live on public property throughout the state.

"A lot of the time they are homeless individuals" West Virginia House passes statewide camping on public property ban

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) -- A ban on camping on public property made it through the West Virginia House of Delegates on Tuesday. The bill proposes fines and potential criminal penalties to camping on public property, like sidewalks, public squares and parks. Proponents of the bill said encampments in the state’s cities pose a threat to public health and safety. The [...]

WV House passes statewide encampment ban

A ban on camping on public property made it through the West Virginia House of Delegates on Tuesday.

WV House OKs bill that would impose jail time, fines for camping on public property

The West Virginia House of Delegates approved a bill on March 3, 2026 that would impose jail time and fines for homeless people who live on public property throughout the state. Delegates passed House Bill 5319 with a 62 to 32 vote and five members absent. The bill would impose fines of up to $500 or 30 days in jail for homeless people who camp or store personal property on any street, park, trail or any public property throughout the state.

West Virginia House passes statewide encampment ban

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) -- A ban on camping on public property made it through the West Virginia House of Delegates on Tuesday. The bill proposes fines and potential criminal penalties to camping on public property, like sidewalks, public squares and parks. Proponents of the bill said encampments in the state’s cities pose a threat to public health and safety. The [...]