An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for permitted use of public space; and, in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity.
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania law to clarify the permitted use of public spaces, particularly for individuals experiencing homelessness. It defines ‘adequate alternative indoor space’ and outlines conditions for using public spaces for life-sustaining activities. Furthermore, the bill expands exceptions to sovereign immunity to include violations related to the implementation or enforcement of rules concerning permitted use of public space, protecting government units from liability in these situations.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘adequate alternative indoor space’ with specific requirements like availability, cost, accessibility, and suitability for disabilities and pets.
- Allows individuals experiencing homelessness to use public spaces for life-sustaining activities, provided they don’t obstruct public access.
- Expands exceptions to sovereign immunity to cover violations of rules concerning permitted use of public space.
- Protects personal property stored in public spaces, mirroring protections for private dwellings.
- Permits motor vehicles and recreational vehicles to remain parked on public property without immediate relocation if not obstructing traffic.
- Allows individuals experiencing homelessness to retrieve belongings from towed vehicles.
- Grants the Attorney General authority to sue government entities for violations of the bill.
Who is affected
Bill text
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Document of record
- Version
- Pn 2586 Html
- Published
- Not published in the source record
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
9 on record
Primary sponsor
Ismail Smith-Wade-El
Cosponsors
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