MD HB487

Establishes rights for unhoused individuals to engage in "life-sustaining activities" (sleeping, resting, eating, sheltering) in public places without civil or criminal penalties, unless adequate alternative indoor shelter is available and offered

Defines "adequate alternative indoor space" as free, ADA-compliant shelter available indefinitely without requiring waiver of rights, able to accommodate family members, support individuals, and personal belongings—including tiny homes of at least 400 square feet

Prohibits government entities from penalizing anyone for offering food, water, money, or other donations to unhoused individuals in public places

Authorizes civil lawsuits by harmed individuals or the Attorney General against government entities violating these protections, with courts able to award injunctive relief and attorney's fees to prevailing plaintiffs

Creates an affirmative defense of necessity for criminal trespass or disorderly conduct charges when the defendant was engaging in life-sustaining activities without access to adequate shelter, and repeals municipal authority to prohibit vagrancy