Senate Bill 2500 Summary

• Prohibits sitting, lying, sleeping, or storing personal property on streets, sidewalks, or public rights-of-way within 1,000 feet of sensitive areas (schools, daycares, parks, libraries) or critical infrastructure designated by local authorities.

• Classifies violations as public nuisances subject to civil abatement and allows prosecution as misdemeanors punishable by up to $1,000 fine or 4 months jail time; convictions do not appear on public records.

• Requires law enforcement to provide written notice at least 48 hours before enforcement action, including information about alternative shelter locations and mental health services.

• Authorizes property owners to request law enforcement removal of homeless encampments from private property after 72 hours' notice, requiring humane treatment and prohibiting damage to personal property.

• Amends Mississippi Code Section 21-19-11 to include homeless encampment removal in public nuisance abatement procedures and allows municipalities to impose abatement costs as property liens, with discretion to waive costs for private property encampments.