MS HB297

Prohibits sitting, lying, sleeping, or storing personal property within 1,000 feet of sensitive areas (schools, daycares, parks, libraries) or critical infrastructure (roads, bridges, utilities) on public streets and sidewalks.

Classifies violations as a public nuisance subject to abatement and allows misdemeanor charges punishable by up to $5,000 fine and/or six months jail time.

Requires law enforcement to provide written notice in a language understood by the person at least 48 hours before enforcement action begins, and mandates information about alternative shelter and services.

Amends the public nuisance law to include homeless encampments on private property, allowing municipalities to remove encampments and assess cleanup costs as a lien on the property, though municipalities may waive such costs.

Increases the maximum penalty for property nuisance violations from $1,500 to $10,000 and raises cost limits for municipal cleanup actions from $250 to $10,000 per property.