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Bill

LC 2474

Prohibit overnight camping on state highway right-of-way

2025 Regular Session

Montana bill prohibits overnight camping on state highway right-of-way, restricting homeless and transient populations from roadside areas.

(LC) Draft in Final Drafter Review
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Bill Summary · LC 2474

Legislative bill overview

LC 2474 proposes to prohibit overnight camping on state highway right-of-way lands in Montana. The bill would establish legal restrictions preventing individuals from establishing temporary or permanent encampments within the designated areas adjacent to state highways. This would apply to all state-controlled highway corridors across Montana.

Why is this important

Overnight camping bans on highway right-of-way affect homeless populations, travelers, and rural communities by restricting where people can legally rest. The policy also impacts state highway maintenance and safety by addressing encampment-related concerns, though it shifts the burden to local jurisdictions and private property owners. This type of legislation has become increasingly common in western states dealing with visible homelessness and transient populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Homelessness response: Critics argue this criminalizes poverty rather than addressing root causes, while supporters contend it's necessary for highway safety and maintenance
  • Implementation burden: Unclear whether enforcement would fall to highway patrol, local police, or other agencies, and what resources would be needed
  • Alternative locations: The bill may lack provisions for designating legal camping alternatives, potentially pushing encampments to private property or municipalities unprepared to handle them

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

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