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Bill

SB 175

Prohibiting camping in public areas without consent

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Rose and 1 co-sponsor

West Virginia bill criminalizes unauthorized camping on public lands without consent, affecting homelessness management and outdoor recreation access.

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Bill Summary · SB 175

Legislative bill overview

SB 175 would prohibit camping in public areas in West Virginia unless the person has explicit consent from the property owner or relevant government authority. The bill criminalizes unauthorized camping on public lands, parks, and other government-owned spaces, establishing it as a violation subject to penalties.

Why is this important

This legislation directly impacts how municipalities and the state address homelessness and transient populations. It affects accessibility to public lands for recreational camping and has significant implications for homeless services, law enforcement resources, and public space management across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Homelessness concerns: Critics argue the bill criminalizes poverty and homelessness without addressing underlying housing issues or providing alternative shelter solutions
  • Outdoor recreation impact: Recreational campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts may face restrictions on traditional camping practices in remote public areas
  • Implementation and enforcement: Questions about how broadly "camping" is defined, enforcement costs for law enforcement, and whether resources exist to provide shelter alternatives before criminalization takes effect
  • Constitutional considerations: Potential Eighth Amendment challenges regarding cruel and unusual punishment if applied to people with no alternative shelter options

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

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