HB 1203 Mississippi House · 2025 Regular Session

Camping; prohibit on public property.

HB 1203 prohibits camping on most public property in Mississippi, including sidewalks, streets, highways, and alleys, unless the area is specifically designated for camping by local authorities or state law. It defines "camping" to include setting up tents, sleeping bags, or other personal items and requires all camping to occur only in authorized locations. Local governments can remove camping materials after 24 hours' notice (or immediately for unsanitary or dangerous items) and must provide information about housing or health resources when removing individuals. Violations may result in penalties, but courts can consider mitigating factors like access to services when determining punishment.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Apr 2025

House Passage

Feb 2025

Senate Passage

Mar 2025

Signed into Law

Apr 2025

Introduced Feb 6, 2025 Signed Apr 17, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

As Passed the lower → Current version · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to remove references to bringing forward specific trespass and obstruction statutes, streamline the act's purpose statement, and modify enforcement procedures. The most significant change allows courts to impose imprisonment (up to six months) for violations, whereas the previous version only permitted fines or alternative penalties without jail time. Additionally, the definition of 'relocate' now requires individuals to stay at an authorized location for at least 24 hours, and law enforcement must provide notice before removing camping materials.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed by removing references to bringing forward Sections 97-17-85, 97-17-93, and 97-35-23, which previously brought trespass and obstruction statutes forward for amendment purposes.

DEFINITION

Removed the separate definition of 'camping materials' that listed specific items like tents, sleeping bags, and tarps, integrating it into the main text.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the requirement that camping materials must be stored for any period of time on designated locations.

ENFORCEMENT

Changed the removal process to require 24 hours notice before discarding items, with exceptions for items with no utility or in unsanitary conditions.

Added a requirement that removed individuals be provided information about health, mental health, substance abuse treatment, or housing resources.

Modified penalty provisions to allow imprisonment up to six months instead of only fines or alternative penalties.

TECHNICAL

Removed references to bringing forward Sections 97-17-85, 97-17-93, and 97-35-23 from the Mississippi Code of 1972.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 12, 2025 · House Feb 5, 2025

How they voted

34–11

Passed

Total votes 45

Mar 12, 2025

D Democratic12

1 Yea 11 Nay

91% Nay

R Republican33

33 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 17, 2025

Signed into law

Approved by Governor

executive

Apr 1, 2025

Lower · Passed

Conference Report Adopted

lower

Mar 31, 2025

Upper · Passed

Conference Report Filed

upper

Mar 12, 2025

Upper · Passed

Passed As Amended

upper

Mar 12, 2025

Upper · Passed

Amended

upper

Mar 4, 2025

Upper · Passed

Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

upper

Feb 14, 2025

Committee

Referred To Judiciary, Division B

upper

Feb 6, 2025

Introduced

Transmitted To Senate

lower

Feb 5, 2025

Lower · Passed

Passed

lower

Feb 5, 2025

Introduced

Amendment Tabled

lower

Jan 28, 2025

Lower · Passed

Title Suff Do Pass

lower

Jan 20, 2025

Committee

Referred To Judiciary A

lower

1 primary · 11 co-sponsors