Sen. Young comments on bill targeting homeless

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Young released the following statement after the Senate General Government Committee on Thursday approved Senate Bill 1854, which would make a conviction of creating a camp in a right-of-way or on state land a misdemeanor. The bill provides that a citation would not be issued for a first offense unless the person refuses help, such as transportation to a shelter, food pantry or another place where resources are available.

“I agree that homelessness is a problem but making it a crime is not the answer. Many of those who are homeless include children, and many of those who are unsheltered are suffering from untreated mental illness. Those factors might cause individuals to refuse assistance. Passing more legislation that includes legal ramifications for the homeless is ill-advised. Instead of threatening legal action, we should address the lack of affordable housing and other options to keep them sheltered.” – Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City

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For more information, contact:  Sen. George Young at 405-521-5531 or George.Young@oksenate.gov