Creating WV Homelessness Rehabilitation and Public Safety Act

SB 873 creates the West Virginia Homelessness Rehabilitation and Public Safety Act to address homelessness through structured rehabilitation programs. It requires law enforcement to refer homeless individuals with multiple loitering or vagrancy citations to mental health evaluations, and those deemed to have mental health or substance abuse needs must participate in treatment plans. The Department of Human Services will operate repurposed vacant buildings as structured residence halls, requiring residents to complete hygiene training, vocational skills (like maintenance and agriculture), and financial planning. Upon program completion, participants receive job placement assistance, financial oversight for savings, and help securing housing after saving for a security deposit. The program applies only to homeless individuals assessed as "of sound mind" who refuse rehabilitation, facing existing penalties for non-participation.