Two proposed Arizona bills want to criminalize common activities of those experiencing homelessness.
The bills would make it illegal to sit, lay down or sleep on sidewalks in public rights-of-way. They would also make it illegal to panhandle in certain areas.
Violating the proposed law could result in a misdemeanor up the possibility of up to six months in jail on the third offense.
The Arizona Mirror reports that the bill’s sponsor – Fountain Hills Rep. John Kavanagh – says the bill is needed to improve public safety.
Both bills had their first hearing in the state Senate Wednesday.
Kavanagh has tried to pass a similar bill before but faced opposition from both parties, and former Gov. Doug Ducey signed similar legislation by Kavanagh in 2015.
