Sleeping on public property is now a criminal offense in Worcester County after officials this week amended an existing ordinance to combat chronic homelessness.
Passed unanimously Tuesday by the County Commissioners, the bill makes it a misdemeanor to inhabit, camp on, or sleep on any roadside of any county road, right-of-way, park, landing or boat ramp, or any other county-owned property. Violations are punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both.
The bill updates a 1987 county law that previously set penalties as a civil infraction.
It also now extends to college or university campuses, bus stops, or other transportation facilities. The bill also clarifies the process for removing personal property stored or abandoned on county property, according to county attorney Roscoe Leslie.
Commissioner Eric Fiori said he’s been dealing with a deluge of complaints about this from constituents in West Ocean City, including vandalism and trespassing. He called the law “a last resort” to target unhoused individuals who repeatedly create problems for the public.
“I don’t think anyone wants to go out from the sheriff’s department and just arrest people that are homeless – that’s not the idea,” said Fiori (District 3, Sinepuxent). “This is the last-ditch effort. If they refuse to be a productive part of society and continue to cause problems due to substance abuse or mental health issues, that this is a way to help.”
See above and below, the MD Legislature can’t find enough ways to abuse the citizens of Worcester County.
“A BILL ENTITLED
AN ACT concerning Counties and Municipalities – Homelessness – Local Laws (Right to Rest Act)”
Abusing citizens makes the officials feel superior.