HB 5319
Camping ban on certain public property.
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill prohibits camping and storing personal property, including camping equipment, on certain public properties owned or controlled by the state, counties, or municipalities in West Virginia. It establishes criminal penalties, ranging from a fine to 30 days in jail, for violations, with increased penalties for repeat offenses. The bill also includes exceptions for authorized camping areas and overnight stays in registered vehicles.
Key provisions
- Prohibits camping and storing personal property on state capitol buildings, state office buildings, county courthouses, and municipal office buildings.
- Defines terms such as ‘camp,’ ‘camp facilities,’ and ‘camp paraphernalia’ for clarity.
- Establishes criminal penalties for violations, including fines and jail time.
- Increases penalties for repeat offenses within a 12-month period.
- Allows for alternative shelter locations to be offered to individuals in violation.
- Exempts lawful camping in authorized areas and overnight stays in registered vehicles.
- Specifies that shelter accommodations constituted a public nuisance.
- Requires each day of violation to be considered a separate offense.
Who is affected
- Individuals engaging in unauthorized camping or storage of personal property.
- State and local governments (West Virginia, counties, municipalities).
- Park visitors and users of public spaces.
- Individuals who may be experiencing homelessness.
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