Georgia cities and counties could be compelled to enforce bans on public camping or sleeping by homeless people under a bill moving forward in the state Senate.
The measure would also create a structure for the state to designate camping areas for homeless people, and calls for an audit to examine how state and local governments are spending money to alleviate homelessness.
But advocates expressed concerns, saying the bill could lead to cities and counties being harassed by lawsuits over homeless enforcement and that the rules around sanctioned camping are too loose. Opponents also said the bill doesn’t do enough to address underlying problems or promote permanent solutions.