PARKERSBURG, West Virginia (WTAP) – West Virginia House Bill 2382 proposes a statewide camping prohibition. The measure had its first reading on Friday, March 7, and its second reading is set for Monday, March 10.
If it is approved, it would “establish misdemeanor crimes for camping in or storing personal property, including camp facilities and camp paraphernalia, on governmental or public property and criminal penalties with exceptions” .
The goal of the law, according to the text, is to “prevent harm to the public’s health and safety and to promote public health, safety, and general welfare”.
Republican Delegate Scot Heckert, one of the bill’s proponents, claims that the bill helps maintain communities clean and safe by establishing consistency throughout counties.
Under this law, first-time violators would receive a written warning as well as information about resources for obtaining other shelter.
A second infraction would result in a misdemeanor prosecution and a $200 or less punishment if convicted.
A third violation within the first 12 months of the first violation would result in a misdemeanor charge and a fine of $500 or less upon conviction, up to 30 days in jail custody, or both.
Republican Delegate Bill Flanigan opposes the legislation. He admits that this is a statewide issue, but believes more work is needed on this bill.
“We’re going to confine them and give them a prison record for being homeless.” I truly believe that we can discover a better approach, a better answer… “They are not criminals,” states Delegate Flanigan.
He provides an alternative solution to the situation.
“I had eleven sponsors sign on yesterday, and I submitted it. I don’t know the number yet, but it’s for developing an institutional program. A hospital, essentially a major hub – someplace in the state – for mental examinations and assistance if needed,” adds Delegate Flanigan.
Several cities in West Virginia have established their own camping ban regulations. In September 2023, the city of Parkersburg enacted a Camping Ban legislation that, according to Mayor Tom Joyce, is substantially similar to Bill 2382.
Mayor Joyce said the law, like Parkersburg’s code, does not criminalize the homeless but rather equips those in charge to better assist them.
“My goal throughout the entire process [of the Parkersburg Ordinance] was to make our public spaces as secure as possible…
I don’t believe [House Bill 2382] criminalizes homelessness; rather, I believe it provides those of us responsible for maintaining our community safe, clean, and vibrant with another tool to help people in need find better housing,” says Mayor Joyce.
When we asked Delegate Heckert about how the law may affect the Parkersburg ordinance, he responded, “I believe it will work better together and give the ordinance a little more bite, a little more teeth, if you will.”
When we spoke with Mayor Joyce, he stated that he has seen favorable changes since the municipal ordinance’s introduction.
“From our perspective, we have a trail that, before to its opening, was riddled with homeless camps. It is not anymore… There were more than a hundred people on the trail yesterday.
“When I went down there for lunch, we saw people walking the trail, riding their bikes on the trail, and walking their dogs on the trail,” adds Mayor Joyce. “Without this piece of legislation locally from 2023, I’m not sure that folks would be enjoying that trail the way they’re enjoying it now.”
Wood County’s Point in Time count occurred in late January of this year. Dawn Werry, the permanent supportive housing stabilization case manager for the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness, reported that they counted 205 people.
The figure in 2023 was 184, while in 2024 it was 197.
Mayor Joyce believes the resources stationed in Parkersburg contribute to the county’s homeless population.
“We have the highest percentage of drug treatment clinics. So, we have a lot of people who come here because it is a very charitable location.”
