SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bill filed in Springfield could stop the further criminalization of people experiencing homelessness.
A 2024 Supreme Court ruling in Johnson v. City of Grant Pass allowed local and state governments to criminalize homeless sheltering outside in public places.
This Illinois bill could ban state and local governments from creating criminal charges against the basic needs of the unhoused, such as sleeping, sitting or taking shelter on public property.
Rep. Kevin Olickal said this plan would help people experiencing homelessness, but wouldn't give them free reign over the law.
"You're still going to be able to address public nuisances and safety hazards where we were prior to Grants Pass," Olickal said. "But we're not going to further criminalize homelessness without addressing the root cause of the issue."
The plan would add to a previous bill, adding a new term called "life sustaining activities." These would be protected rights of the unhoused to sleep, lie down, eat, drink and hold personal belongings under shelter in public property.
Even though the bill has not be signed to a committee yet, Olickal said it has already received support from Housing Action Illinois and the Chicago Coalition to end Homelessness.
He also said he is open for discussion with local governments if the bill reaches the House.
"Any time you are trying to pass a bill that dictates how municipalities can operate and the ordinances they can pass there's always going to be some concerns," Olickal said. "I'm open to having conversations with them."
Nationwide, homelessness is up 18% as the cost of living and housing has risen to prices many can't afford.
Illinois experienced the second largest increase in its unhoused population in the U.S. only behind New York. According to The 2024 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, between 2023 and 2024, Illinois has experienced a 116% increase of people experiencing homelessness. That added an additional 13,885 people without homes with 91% of them in Chicago.
A few central Illinois cities have cracked down on homelessness since the ruling, such as in Bloomington, where according to 25 News they closed down a temporary homeless encampment in October.
Springfield tried to limit homeless camps in September, but pulled back after severe backlash from the community.
According to the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, there are an estimated 25,832 people experiencing homelessness in Illinois.
Lawmakers could talk about the bill when they return to Springfield on Tuesday.
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