The Nebraska we know and love is a place where neighbors care about each other and want to see each other thrive. Punishing people for experiencing homelessness is cruel and only hurts those that need support the most.
❌ LB925 would ban camping or storing personal property on any public land— targeting anyone who is forced to sleep outdoors. The first violation would result in a warning and referral to overcrowded and nonexistent shelters. When people are still unable to find a permanent housing solution, they would be faced with a Class V misdemeanor (up to $500 fine). Inability to pay could result in jail time.
Ticketing, fining, and arresting people who are experiencing homelessness is neither a compassionate nor effective approach to ending homelessness. LB925 does nothing to reckon with the responsibility of the state or political subdivisions to provide shelter for those experiencing homelessness, or to address the root causes of homelessness.
Though housing people is cheaper than jailing them, under LB925, local governments that choose to make the fiscally smart and compassionate choice could face lawsuits that would further deplete community resources.
❌ The Judiciary Committee will have a hearing on LB925 next week. Join us in OPPOSING LB925:
When: Wednesday, February 18th, 1:30pm-until the evening
Where: Nebraska State Capitol Building, Judiciary, Room 1525
- Testify with us at the Capitol
- Submit a comment online by 8:00 am CT on February 18th
- Sit with us during the hearing to show the committee we don’t support cruel legislation.
- And respond to this email if you need support!
We all want to live in a strong community where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-repeating. Our Legislature and local communities should advance policies that increase access to affordable housing and fund proven effective programming that ensures everyone has a place to call home.