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HB 7033

AN ACT PROHIBITING A MUNICIPALITY FROM IMPOSING ANY PENALTY ON HOMELESS PERSONS FOR PERFORMING ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING ON PUBLIC LAND.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Saud Anwar and 10 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill prohibits municipalities from penalizing homeless people for essential daily living activities on public land, decriminalizing survival behaviors.

FILE NO. 243
#attorneygeneral #civilactions #fines(penalties) #homelesspersons #municipalproperty #municipalities #ordinances
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Bill Summary · HB 7033

Legislative bill overview

HB 7033 would prohibit Connecticut municipalities from penalizing homeless individuals for conducting essential daily activities—such as sleeping, eating, hygiene, or sitting—on public land. The bill effectively decriminalizes survival-level behaviors currently subject to local ordinances in many towns.

Why is this important

Many Connecticut municipalities have ordinances that fine or criminalize homeless people for activities necessary to survive without shelter, creating legal barriers that deepen homelessness. This bill addresses whether municipalities can legally penalize people for basic human needs when no alternative is available, directly affecting enforcement practices and public space policies statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Public space management: Cities argue existing ordinances address disorder, sanitation, and public safety concerns; prohibiting penalties may complicate enforcement of legitimate quality-of-life standards
  • Definitional ambiguity: "Activities of daily living" lacks precise legal definition—disputes may arise about what conduct is protected versus what constitutes disruptive behavior
  • Municipal home rule: Connecticut municipalities traditionally retain broad authority over public spaces; this bill imposes a statewide restriction on local enforcement discretion
  • Implementation costs: Jurisdictions may face increased demands for shelter services, outreach, and alternative solutions if criminalization is removed without adequate state funding
  • Balancing competing interests: Tension between protecting vulnerable individuals and addressing concerns from residents and businesses about public space usage

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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