West Virginia camping ban aims to enhance public safety but sparks concerns over resources

MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. — A statewide camping ban passed last week in the West Virginia House of Delegates 89-9, prohibiting all homeless to camp on public property.

First introduced in February, HB 2382 affects all governmental grounds.

As it states, "anyone that trespasses will be charged with a misdemeanor and shall be fined of not less than $25 and no more than $100, or by confinement in jail for no more than 30 days."

District 6 Delegate Jeff Stephens -- one of the many in favor -- says the bill is designed to improve public safety.

"When you look at it and really read the situation that this is really going to help the citizens of Wheeling, of Morgantown, even down in Moundsville, in Weirton, all those cities,” Stephens said.

"The root cause is the mental health. We need to address and to help these people get a job and be good members of our society."

After its first review in the Senate, an amendment has been made to offer transportation of potential violators.

"If there is someone who is camping illegally, law enforcement will be able to transport them maybe to a relative or a shelter that they can go to," Stephens said.

Catholic Charities is one of many organizations that provides outreach services in the state.

Ashlie Kotson, who represents the Northern Panhandle and works closely with Wheeling's homeless population, says she's disappointed with the way the bill is written.

"Referring our unsheltered friends to mental health facilities and to housing is a great idea in theory,” she said. “However, there's not enough shelter beds throughout west Virginia and there's not enough mental health facilities. "

The homeless population will still be able to camp on private property or exempted sites.

As of Friday, the bill is in its second reading in the Senate. It will then be followed by a third reading. If passed there, it will advance to Gov. Patrick Morrisey's Office for a signature.