Oklahoma House lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1854 by a margin of 77 to 18, with six lawmakers absent from the vote, just days before the April 25 legislative deadline.
If SB 1854 is signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt, it will prohibit unauthorized camping on state-owned properties.
SB 1854 defines unauthorized camping as any tent, shelter or bedding constructed to utilize the arrangement for overnight shelter on property not previously designated as a campsite.
Non-campsite state properties include but are not limited to highway underpasses and state facilities, such as Griffin Memorial Hospital.
According to the bill, the first time an individual is found camping in a prohibited area, they will be issued a warning and offered assistance, such as a ride to a shelter or food pantry. If assistance is refused, they may be subject to a citation. Upon the second offense, individuals may either be fined up to $50, imprisoned in county jail for up to 15 days or both.
Advocates for the unhoused have criticized the bill and its punishments, saying that the punishment will simply exacerbate the issues the unhoused face.
April Doshier, director of Food and Shelter, which operates a Friend’s House, previously criticized the bill. She told OU Daily the bill fails to address the root causes of homelessness, which will worsen the situation and potentially overrun jails.
Steve Ellis, an OU professor of philosophy and Norman Care-A-Vans board member, previously told OU Daily he believes SB 1854 reflects a misunderstanding of the problems unhoused individuals face.
Following the Monday vote, House Democrats issued a press release on Tuesday, criticizing SB 1854.
Rep. Regina Goodwin (D-Tulsa) said SB 1854 is not helpful or compassionate. Goodwin also called for more collaboration with those in need.
House Democratic Leader, Rep. Cyndi Munson (D-Oklahoma City), called out the reasoning for the bill. She said worrying about the safety of those on the side of the road is understandable, but legislators need to focus more on the issues that lead people to homelessness.
“Criminalization is not a solution. When we see folks on the side of the road, we shouldn’t look away. We should look them in the eye because that person could be your colleague, brother, or dad,” Munson said. “Many Oklahomans are one moment away from experiencing homelessness.”
According to the 2023 point-in-time count, Cleveland County has an unhoused population of 213 people.
Norman’s shelter for the unhoused, A Friend’s House, located on the corner of James Garner Avenue and West Gray Street, currently has 52 beds available.
For now, SB 1854 will head to Stitt’s desk and await his signature.
This story was edited by Ismael Lele and Anusha Fathepure. Lily Grace Battles and Avery Avery copy edited this story.
