New Law Makes it Illegal to Sleep Outside on State Owned Land in Missouri

Beginning yesterday, it is a Class C misdemeanor to sleep outside on state-owned land in Missouri. Failure to comply is punishable by a $750 fine and 15 days in jail.

According to lawmakers, the law is actually supposed to help create more resources for those experiencing houselessness, as it redirects funds away from permanent affordable housing to temporary housing providing substance abuse assistance and mental health treatments.

However, many advocate groups oppose the new law insisting that it criminalizes houselessness. Opponents are concerned that people who are forced to sleep on the streets could end up in jail or stuck with large fines because of a lack of resources— making it that much harder for them to find permanent housing.

What do you think about this new law?

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